Physiotherapists who use ultrasound must be aware of new guidance released by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Ultrasound is a valuable tool that can treat various conditions, but it must be used safely and appropriately.
The new guidance will help to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. There is also a mobile physio Adelaide that you can look out for.
The guidance sets out standards of conduct, ethics, and performance that all physiotherapists must meet when using ultrasound.
The guidance covers four main areas:
Duty of care – physiotherapists, must take responsibility for their actions and ensure that they do not put patients at risk.
Consent – patients must be fully informed about the proposed ultrasound treatment and must give their consent before it goes ahead.
Safety – physiotherapists must ensure that ultrasound is used safely and that the equipment is properly maintained and operated.
Record-keeping – physiotherapists must keep accurate records of all ultrasound treatments.
The HCPC has also produced an accompanying factsheet, which summarises the key points of the new guidance.
As a physiotherapist, it is important that you are aware of the new guidance on ultrasound and that you follow the standards set out in it. This will help to ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatment and that the profession maintains its high standards.
The new guidance clarifies that ultrasound should only be used by qualified practitioners who have undergone appropriate training and are competent in using the equipment. Physiotherapists must also keep up to date with ultrasound technology developments and ensure they use the latest evidence-based methods.
The new guidance comes after a review of the evidence on the clinical effectiveness of ultrasound, which showed that while there is some evidence to support its use in certain conditions, there is also a lack of high-quality evidence. This means there is currently no strong evidence to support the routine use of ultrasound in physiotherapy.
The new guidance has been developed by an expert panel of physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals and endorsed by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). It will be reviewed and updated as new evidence emerges.
The guidance also sets out the standards for an ultrasound examination, including appropriate equipment and safety precautions. These standards are designed to protect patients and practitioners and ensure that ultrasound is used safely and effectively.
Physiotherapists should ensure that they are familiar with the new guidance on ultrasound and follow the standards set out in it. This will help to ensure that patients receive safe and effective treatment and that the profession maintains its high standards.
The main change that the guidance brings is requiring all physios who use ultrasound to have completed an accredited training program. This is in addition to the existing HCPC registration and insurance requirements.
The CSP says the new guidance will help to ensure that patients receive a high standard of care and that physios who use ultrasound are competent and confident in its safe application. A mobile physio Adelaide is also safe to try.
