Medical ethics is just one of the courses students must take if they are studying to be an ultrasound technician.  The ethics courses are designed to teach potential sonographers about the standards and ethics of any medical profession.  Ultrasound technicians have a great deal of interaction with patients, especially expectant mothers and they need to know the best practices for handling any unusual circumstances. A large part of ethics seems to be common sense for example; knowing how to keep patient information confidential, how to handle patients that are unruly or upset, and how to treat patients with courtesy. The medical community is dedicated to making patients feel welcome and secure in a medical environment.  Learning ethics is part of implementing that theory.  Confidentiality of patients is one of the most common ethical topics.

Confidentiality of Patients – You learn a lot of personal information from patients in the course of assessing them and providing care.  The patient’s age, and past/recent medical record are usually given.  Any information coming from the patient or a physical examination should be considered confidential.  Treatment administered is also considered confidential information.  Patients have a right and expectation that their privacy will be protected.  The patient is the only one who has the right to share information freely.  An Ultrasound technician should acquire written consent before any personal information is divulged to an outside party.  An ultrasound technician should not speak with family, friends, media or anyone else not directly involved with the patient’s care.  Tomorrow we will explore when and how confidential information can be released.  If you are interested in becoming an ultrasound technician, ethics will be a topic you should consider.

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