Abstract
Diagnostic ultrasound examinations have an added value to health care as they involve clinical interaction between the sonographer and the patient (Necas, 2017). This interaction is most prevalent during Intimate Ultrasound Procedures (IUPs). These examinations require the sonographer to image the intimate areas in close contact. Many factors can influence the patient’s perception of an IUP and one of them is the sonographer performing the IUP.
The aim of this quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study is to evaluate patients’ perceptions of IUPs in Gauteng, South Africa. Eighty participants completed a self-designed paper questionnaire which consisted of four sections. SPSS version 29 was utilized for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and describe the collected data. Inferential statistics were utilized to draw conclusions and make inferences based on the collected data.
In the study, the majority of participants were male (56%) and female (44%) in the age group 31-45 years and represented various racial backgrounds, including black, coloured, and white. The majority of participants were married and identified as Christians. Regarding their experiences with IUPs, most participants had not undergone an IUP (63%) and had limited knowledge about it (58%). The procedure room was generally perceived as being clean by 99% of participants. However, only 57% of participants reported being offered a clean gown. During the procedure, the majority of participants (85%) received a clear explanation of the procedure, while 15% of participants indicated that they did not. Most participants (76%) were scanned by a female sonographer, and 63% expressed that the gender of the sonographer was not important to them. Participants provided positive feedback about the behavioural attributes of the sonographer. Regarding the presence of a chaperone, the majority of participants (73%) were not offered one. In cases where a chaperone was provided, it was commonly a female chaperone.
Overall, participants expressed positive emotions regarding the procedure, and high satisfaction rates were reported, with 85% satisfaction for the sonographer and 77%
vi
for the procedure. Furthermore, 81% of participants expressed willingness to undergo the same procedure in the future. It was found that there is a statistically significant relationship between participants' preferred gender of a chaperone and the participant’s gender. Further, it was concluded there is a statistically significant association between the gender of the sonographer and the clarity of explanation received by the participants. Based on the participants' feedback, the following recommendations were made: 1. Sonographer should improve communication with the patient regarding the procedure. 2. Implement Patient-Centred Care in clinical practice to enhance patient experiences and contribute to the overall quality of care. 3. Address the lack of resources by finding alternative ways to provide clean gowns and bed linen.
KEYWORDS: Patient-Centred Care, intimate ultrasound procedures, patient perceptions, sonographer.