ABSTRACT
Obstetric ultrasound is unlike any other form of medical imaging. The expectations of the provider performing the ultrasound are dramatically different from those of the woman receiving the ultrasound. Ultrasound providers are often put into situations where the practice of medicine is superseded by expectations of a pregnant woman and her family who see themselves as consumers of ‘medictainment’ rather than patients. Women come to obstetric ultrasound with the primary expectation to hear the simple news that their baby is normal and most wish to know the fetal sex as a secondary piece of information. They would also like to have information ahead of time about what to expect from an ultrasound examination experience. Ultrasound physicians are charged with the task of identifying something wrong, providing a definitive diagnosis, and communicating it in a balanced and relatively unemotional manner, while at the same time being beneficent and respectful of patient autonomy. Patients may not want to find out that something is wrong, but when there is, they want direct, compassionate communication, and a plan of action.
How to cite this article
Bartholomew ML. Obstetric Ultrasound: Balancing Recommendations with Expectations. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(1):14-22.
VP34.21: Machine learning of the basic obstetric ultrasound examination: validation of the standardised six‐step approach
