Relationship between the Performance of Orbital Ultrasound technologists and the Quality of Ophthalmological Services

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the influence that the professional performance of orbital ultrasound technologists has on the quality of ophthalmologic services.

Methods: Theoretical level methods were used for the analysis of the object of study and empirical level for the evaluation of the potentialities and insufficiencies in the professional performance of the imaging technologist in the quality of ophthalmologic services, in the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology Ramón Pando Ferrer. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to inquire about technical knowledge, work experience, opinions and satisfaction, professional development, impact of technology, lack of specific training, knowledge updating, equipment obsolescence and availability of resources.

Results: Technologists did not master radiological techniques and procedures and the use of specific equipment, and understanding of safety protocols, they did not have work experience in performing orbital ultrasound, the study program dealt with the subject in a general way, they considered that the lack of knowledge of modern technologies could have limited the quality of the images obtained in their work and, therefore, diagnostic accuracy. Managers were of the opinion that technologists did not follow the correct procedures to obtain quality images, that equipment was obsolete and that there was no adequate training process for imaging technologists in the ophthalmology specialty.

Conclusions: Orbital ultrasound is a very useful diagnostic tool, with multiple advantages; it is cheap, innocuous and reproducible, besides it has the advantage of obtaining images in real time and with absence of radiation with carcinogenic effects. The knowledge and professional performance achieved by imaging technologists of this diagnostic tool have allowed an increase in the quality of ophthalmologic services.