General Ultrasound Examination Volumes per Sonographer 8-Hour Workday

Abstract

The average number of general ultrasound examinations performed by a sonographer in an 8-hour workday is not well reported in the literature. Through an informal survey, we estimate that the average general ultrasound examination volume across Canada per 8-hour workday is 11.25, with a range of 9 to 14. Understanding ultrasound examination data volumes provides information to help understand productivity. Decision-makers can also use the examination volume data and factors affecting sonographer examination throughput to create strategies to enhance efficiency in clinic and hospital departments. Factors that may influence the average examination rate include examination time, the age of equipment, resource availability, staffing shortages, and sonographer’s work-related musculoskeletal disorders and stress.