[Do nurses perform sonography in Germany? A survey].

Abstract

Background: Internationally, ultrasounds are carried out by various healthcare professionals and in particular by nurses. It is not yet known whether and in what context this takes place in Germany.

Aim: Are ultrasounds performed by nurses in daily nursing care in Germany? Secondary objectives were the context, frequency, qualifications and impact on the nursing care process and teamwork.

Methods: Quantitative survey using an online questionnaire with 28 closed and one open question, which was sent out in professional networks.

Results: A total of 476 people took part, of whom 98.7% (n = 470) were evaluable. The primary respondents were nurses (80.9%, n = 359) who worked in hospitals (83.0%, n = 390) in the intensive care unit (37.2%, n = 175). A total of 13.2% (n = 62) stated that nurses use sonography in practice. It takes most frequently place for venipuncture or placement of an indwelling cannula (74.2%, n = 46), puncture of an arterial vessel (59.7%, n = 37) and determination of perfusion or peripheral blood sampling (45.2% each, n = 28). Ultrasounds are usually performed several times a week or month (36.4%, n = 12) and the qualification is primarily acquired in the patient's own institution (36.4%, n = 12). A total of 7.0% (n = 33) use ultrasound themselves, which improves work processes (63.6%, n = 21) and communication within the team (48.5%, n = 16) and also leads to greater recognition within the team (42.4%, n = 14).

Conclusion: In Germany, only a small proportion of ultrasounds of inpatients are performed by nurses, but the activity improves corresponding workflows, communication within the team and leads to greater recognition.