Results of the year 2000 abdomen task survey of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Abstract

The authors' purpose was to evaluate the current practice of registered diagnostic medical sonographers, with specialty in abdomen, of the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS). A randomized sample of 2350 registered diagnostic medical sonographers with specialty in abdomen were chosen from the ARDMS database to complete a task survey on the Internet. The survey consisted of a 235-item questionnaire with regard to demographics, education, and frequency of specific sonograms performed in daily practice. Compared with the 1994 survey, registrants have received more formal education and less on-the-job training. Traditional tasks remain the predominant responsibilities of registered diagnostic medical sonographers with specialty in abdomen, including liver, biliary system, gallbladder, kidney, and pancreas, but a small minority of sonographers also perform liver transplant, kidney transplant, trauma, and musculoskeletal sonograms, and use newer technologies, such as power Doppler and tissue harmonic sonography, as well as transrectal sonography. The authors conclude that the ARDMS abdomen examination reflects current practice, but future revisions should include a small percentage of items in these newer areas.