The development of occupational standards in the practice of diagnostic ultrasound: Part 1, background

This, the first of two papers considers the development of occupational standards in the practice of diagnostic ultrasound, giving an overview of the background to the project which was commissioned by the NHS Executive South and West and the College of Radiographers. The paper provides a review of the literature related to occupational standards with key themes, such as the role of professional bodies in monitoring practice and practitioners and the derivation and definition of occupational standards. Other models and projects which have developed methods of standards design in areas of radiography and diagnostic ultrasound (such as the development of competency based standards for medical radiation science professions) are also considered. The paper concludes with a reflection on the need for continual evaluation of occupational standards and their use in practice.