Risk Management and Governance

The EP should be aware of the following.

Management of scan records

Any EP using EMUS should ensure that scans are correctly labelled, recorded and available for scrutiny.

Ideally, machines should link into the hospital PACS system by default so that users know that others will view their scans. At the very least, every scan should be recorded, and machines with a hard drive allow review of all previous scans, sorted by name, date or operator.

Management of abnormal scans during the training period

During the period of training, while logging scans, abnormal scans should not be ignored and the trainee’s suspicions should be passed onto colleagues. However, the EP must be sure to indicate that they are not trained to pass a definitive view and no decision should rest on their findings.

Patient interactions

When scanning a patient, take time to explain what you are doing and the limitations of an EMUS. Expectations can be falsely raised without this. For most scans verbal consent is sufficient.

Following a scan, consider whether there is any need for additional, or alternative imaging, particularly if you have found something you cannot explain (e.g. an abnormal appearance of the liver).

In most instances, EMUS will not be the definitive imaging modality.