Thursday, 20 March 2025
South Australian Endometriosis Report recognises important role of sonographers
The Final Report of the Select Committee on Endometriosis, tabled in the South Australian Parliament on 19 March 2025, has recognised the vital role of sonographers in the early diagnosis and management of endometriosis and marks a significant step forward in addressing the delays and challenges faced by those living with endometriosis.
The ASA made a submission to the Committee in 2024, calling for recognition of role of endometriosis ultrasound to support diagnosis, enhanced training, workforce support, and expanded access to diagnostic imaging for people experiencing endometriosis and pelvic pain. ASA welcomes the report’s findings and is pleased to see our submission referenced multiple times and several of our key recommendations reflected in the Committee’s final recommendations.
ASA’s submission highlighted the importance of improving access to high-quality imaging, especially transvaginal ultrasound, and supporting the sonographer workforce. The Final Report adopted the following recommendations that align with ASA’s submission:
- Recommendation 1: Greater emphasis on endometriosis identification and management in tertiary training for sonographers, GPs, gynaecologists, and allied health professionals.
- Recommendation 2: SA Health to support professional development for sonographers (as well as doctors, nurses, and allied health practitioners) to increase the number of clinicians able to diagnose, treat, and manage endometriosis in public health services, including emergency departments.
- Recommendation 5: Commonwealth and State Governments to support and incentivise sonographers with endometriosis training to work in regional, rural, and remote areas, alongside increased access to imaging facilities.
- Recommendation 13: Urges State and Commonwealth Governments to advocate for a specific Medicare item number for endometriosis diagnostic imaging, supporting ASA’s call for better funding of imaging services.
ASA also advocated for education around contemporary diagnostic techniques, telehealth integration, multidisciplinary care models, and public education campaigns, which are addressed in other report recommendations.
We would like to thank ASA members Professor Nayana Parange, Ms Alison Deslandes, and Ms Shae Maple who assisted the ASA with our submission and provided expert knowledge to the Committee during the hearing process highlighting the role of sonographers and endometriosis ultrasound imaging. We also acknowledge the important work being undertaken in this area by Associate Professor George Condous and his contribution to this Inquiry.