Table 1 Definitions of ScoP, education and competency and governance
Term | Key elements | Additional information |
|---|---|---|
Scope of practice (ScoP) | Refers to the context and scope of the ultrasound imaging performed plus the interpretation/reporting of that ultrasound imaging plus the clinical decision making informed by that ultrasound imaging | ScoP allows for specifying any USI that is not going to be performed; and/or where USI is performed any interpretation/reporting not undertaken; and/or where USI is performed any clinical decision making not informed by the USI |
Education & competency | Refers to the education undertaken (both informally and formally) and subsequent assessments of competency | Transparent, purposeful and efficient education provision and competency assessments are made possible by aligning with the ScoP. Appropriate education and competency are key contributors to safety and governance |
Governance | Includes legal and professional permissions (professional and regulatory body—if different), insurance arrangements and quality assurance | These are in part informed by the ScoP; and by professional and local/national agreements; and via care pathway arrangements |