Making sure partners still feel involved in scans

Please note this is a stock image.

With partners not allowed to come to scans and live video recordings not being permitted, how can you still make sure that partners feel involved in their baby’s scans? Tracy shares what they came up with at the Royal Berkshire.

Our protocol for everyone’s safety during lockdown was as follows: patients were being called prior to their appointment to check that they had no symptoms, were not living with anyone displaying symptoms and/or had not been advised to self-isolate. This sometimes meant that appointments were rescheduled if necessary. Patients and partners were instructed to wear face coverings at all times. As soon as restrictions were eased, we started to allow partners to attend the scans again. But how did we keep partners involved before this?

Scanner features to the rescue

During lockdown the maternity ultrasound department wanted to offer something extra so that partners would feel part of the scans at least in some way. We decided to use a feature on our scanners which allows us to store a 10 second clip of the scan. After we’d completed all checks, we would play back the clip to allow women to record it on their phone. It was a small gesture but much appreciated, as live recordings were not permitted. We also gave two free scan pictures.

“Some sonographers were quite anxious when we started to allow partners”

Logistical challenge

The environment that the sonographers at Royal Berkshire work in comes with a challenge. Unfortunately our department has a small waiting area, therefore we only have space for five patients here to allow for social distancing. We removed all but five chairs and since partners are allowed to attend scans again, we ask if they can stand next to the person they’re with so that we can still maintain social distancing. Unfortunately, there are times that scan lists run late which inevitably means that the waiting area gets too full. In these instances receptionists take the patients phone number, ask them to wait outside and give them a call when the sonographer is ready.

Anxiety amongst staff

Some sonographers were quite anxious when we started to allow partners to attend, as some scan rooms are quite small and ventilation is not good. However the department has managed to provide a safe, good quality service throughout the pandemic.