A discussion paper on key issues impacting the sonographer workforce in Australia

IntroductionThis discussion paper investigates workforce shortage of Australian sonographers through identifying educational responses to the shortage. MethodAn ethnographic content analysis of insights into the sonographer workforce provided in the Australian Government Department of Employment occupational reports (2007-2016) and current education models across providers of prequalification sonographer education and data correlation with Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry, education provider correspondence, and website information were conducted. ResultsIndustry-identified shortage factors related to prequalification education including sonographer quantity and suitability, education model and location, student admission, and skill and attribute training. Educational changes related to these factors were identified. Queensland demonstrated the greatest increase in sonographer (166%) and student (1000%) numbers (2007-2016). Population-weighted binomial ratios identified South Australia with the highest number of sonographers and students per head of population (2016). In 2016, sonographers graduated from the UG+1 Postgraduate Model (74.6%), Direct Entry Postgraduate Model (18%), and UG+1 Postgraduate Model with mandatory simulated skill training (7.4%). DiscussionSonographer and student supply increased, indicating growth in clinical training capacity (2007-2016). Increased sonographer demand meant workforce shortage was relatively static. Educational response involved change to education models with characteristics related to shortage factors. Research into these education models may identify strategies to further increase clinical training capacity.