Sonographers suffer from repetitive motion injuries that cause suffering, surgeries and can end careers immaturely because they are overbooked in the name of profit. Exams must not be rushed in order to ensure the best outcomes for patients and Sonographers should not be used and discarded. Please support ratio legislation that benefits everyone. Ratios are included in the language of this petition as such:
"Sonographers scans will not exceed one per 75 minutes per recommendations of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) industry standards established in 2003. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 2017, Vol. 33(5) 420 –426."
"In addition to the predisposing and perpetuating factors, the experience of musculoskeletal discomfort in sonographers is often mediated by other precipitating factors often outside the control of the individual sonographer. Because of the shifting focus in health-care settings toward productivity along with the streamlining of data processing due to technological advances, sonographers are being required to perform an increasing number of examinations each day with less break time between exams. The increasing number of examinations and disproportionate work/rest cycles can have a direct impact on the level of stress and the sonographer’s physical and mental status [7]. Sonographers who hold two or more credentials may be required to perform an inordinate number of examinations due to their skill sets that may explain an increased incidence of wrist and hand injuries [5].
Sonographers believe that their own health and wellbeing is compromised because of their professional activities. The increase in physical discomfort lead to changes in home life, work responsibilities, sleep patterns, and psychosocial wellbeing [2]. Unfortunately, many sonographers accept that musculoskeletal discomfort is part of their job and the majority attempt to manage the situation on their own instead of reporting it. Absenteeism and lost-time can contribute to a significant loss of revenue (~$21,153/week), creates additional stress for co-workers trying to meet the workload, and can result in longer wait times for patients [10]. To compound the impact on employers, impaired presenteeism is likely to be occurring when employees continue to show up to work despite their discomfort. Work-related musculoskeletal discomfort can lead to a 5% to 7% decline in workers’ productivity and abilities while present at work [11]."