Chapter 4 and 6

The Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)

Nationwide organization; members are at all levels of association with the profession; benefits include a national meeting where CME credits can be obtained; publishes the journal of diagnostic medical sonography

The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS)

Offers certification for all sonography specialties:

• Registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS)

• Registered diagnostic cardiac sonographer (RDCS)

• Registered vascular technologist (RVT)

Ethics

A set of morals and a code of behavior that helps inform a person or group as to what is right and wrong (how you treat others every day)

Morals are generally accepted customs of right living and behavior within as society (integrity, compassion, honesty, and respectfulness)

Ethical Decision-Making Process

Process that we use to make choices based on our moral principles and personal values

1. define the problem/ethical issue

2. Know principles, standards, and laws that relate to the problem

3. Develop a possible course of action

4. Analyze the possible course of action

5. Choose best course of action that represents your values

6. Review results of your actions and reflect on the outcomes and process

Medical Ethics

Application of moral principles in interactions with others in the medical profession, including coworkers, patients, and the community; related topics include end-of-life decisions, informed consent, patient confidentiality, and patient rights

Principle of Autonomy

People have the right to make decisions about their lives

Principle of Beneficence

To “do good.” To act in a manner that will benefit others

Principle of Nonmaleficence

To “do no harm.” While on your quest to do good, do no harm to the patient

Principle of Justice

Treat all patients equally, no matter what their economic, physical, or mental conditions

Principle of Confidentiality

Refers to the concept of privacy. No personal patient information should be shared with anyone uninvolved with the patient’s care (HIPPA)

Principle of Fidelity

The duty to fulfill one’s commitments

Principle of Paternalism

The approach that prompts healthcare workers to make decisions about the care of a patient without the patient’s direct input

Principle of Sanctity of Life

One cannot make life and death decisions for patients based on personal values

Principle of Veracity

Refers to the honesty in all aspects of ones life

Principle of Respect of Property

Refers to keeping the patients’ belongings safe and taking care to not damage it

Code of Ethics

Statement of acceptable and unacceptable behavior; these provide professionals with blueprint of norms to follow; SDMS code include creating and encouraging an environment in which ethical issues are discussed and addressed, helping individual sonographers identify ethical issues, and providing guidelines regarding ethical behavior

Professionalism

An awareness of conduct, aims, and qualities that define a profession; foundation is built on clinical competence, communication skills, and ethical and legal understanding; the American Board of Internal Medicine lists the principles of professionalism as: Excellence, Humanism, Accountability, Altruism, Duty, Honor and integrity, and Respect for others

Moral Principles

Accepted rules of conduct, including integrity, compassion, honesty, and respectfulness

Teleologic Theory

Also called consequentialism, ethical theory that seeks to find out the end result in decision-making, and its based in consequences of the decision being made to benefit the largest amount of people

Norms

Group-held beliefs or standards that are agreed upon by individuals or groups of individuals

Altruism

Actions aimed at increasing the welfare of others

American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)

Multidisciplinary membership organization that includes all areas of sonographic practice involved in the establishment of standard practice guidelines for each specialty and makes official statements on behalf of the profession on a range of issues, including safe ultrasound practice techniques; states that procedure is inappropriate if its not medically indicated and ordered by physician; publishes the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine

Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI)

Credential-granting organization for both cardiac and vascular specialists; offers RVS (Registered Vascular Specialist) certification

Transformational Leadership

Leader who exhibits charisma and offers inspiration for followers; places concerns of others before them self

How many days before graduation can a student of an accredited sonography program take the specialty exam offered by ARDMS

Up to 60 days

Servant Leadership

Leadership style where leader not only works collaboratively with employees to make the best decisions possible but furthermore places the needs of others before their own; primary obligation for sonographer

Leadership

The ability to influence others to accomplish a specific goal

Recertification

Process of maintaining certification in sonography by taking additional exams on a scheduled basis

ASE and SVU

ASE: American Society of Echocardiography; National organization for echocardiographers

SVU: Society of Vascular Ultrasound; national membership organization for physicians, vascular technologist, students, and other cardiac and vascular professionals

CAAHEP

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs; establishes standards by which many different allied health programs are reviewed

Professional Etiquette

The everyday practice of good manners and being agreeable within the exercise of one occupation