Will AI Replace Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?

Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.

visual inspection — Display monitoring partly automatable; clinical judgment human

Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.

physical manipulation — Patient positioning and scanner operation hands-on

Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.

physical manipulation — Imaging equipment operated with patient positioning

Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.

decision support — In-procedure patient monitoring is hands-on clinical work

Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.

information retrieval — Relaying results is structured; interpretation stays human

Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.

physical manipulation — Hands-on medical equipment adjustment

Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.

visual inspection — Image interpretation assists; radiologist owns diagnosis

Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.

interpersonal — Patient history requires live elicitation and judgment

Coordinate work with physicians or other healthcare team members, including providing assistance during invasive procedures.

interpersonal — Treatment planning collaboration is accountable clinical work

Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.

interpersonal — Results delivery needs empathy and clinical judgment

Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.

interpersonal — Patient history requires live elicitation and judgment

Record and store suitable images, using camera unit connected to the ultrasound equipment.

physical manipulation — Patient positioning and scanner operation hands-on

Perform clerical duties, such as scheduling exams or special procedures, keeping records, or archiving computerized images.

data analysis — Facility records need human verification and compliance

Clean, check, and maintain sonographic equipment, submitting maintenance requests or performing minor repairs as necessary.

visual inspection — Hands-on examination of medical instruments

Supervise or train students or other medical sonographers.

interpersonal — Provider training is clinical, hands-on, accountable

Perform medical procedures, such as administering oxygen, inserting and removing airways, taking vital signs, or giving emergency treatment, such as first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

physical manipulation — Hands-on emergency resuscitation and physical intervention

Maintain stock and supplies, preparing supplies for special examinations and ordering supplies when necessary.

data analysis — Medical supply inventory records and thresholds automatable

Perform legal and ethical duties, including preparing safety or accident reports, obtaining written consent from patient to perform invasive procedures, or reporting symptoms of abuse or neglect.

text generation — Draft incident reports; human verifies facts and liability

Process and code film from procedures and complete appropriate documentation.

text generation — Health records drafted; clinician verifies and signs