firstScan Scan Outcomes – Not Viable

This is another important section so make sure you have your notepad ready.

When the scan confirms non-viable pregnancy

The sonographer should be sure that the scan is completed and the ultrasound findings are consistent with a non-viable pregnancy. The sonographer has a duty to explain the findings of the ultrasound scan honestly and be compassionate in delivering any adverse news.
If there are any children in the room it is appropriate to ask the client if they can wait outside with other family members or another team member while the sonographer discusses the scan findings. This is to protect the children from any upsetting news however the decision of the client and family is always final – whether they agree or otherwise.
The client is likely to be upset and the sonographer should allow the woman to respond in whatever way she does. It is important that any reaction by the client or any other family member does not put you or any other person at risk.
Dependant on the results, the sonographer may then ask if she wishes to look at the TV screen and then explain and show her what the scan findings are.
The woman or other family member is likely to ask ‘what happens next?’. The sonographer should explain about referral to the Early Pregnancy Unit for the client’s follow up care.
The sonographer should complete and print off the scan report.

The chaperone should offer support to the client and her family. As above it could be appropriate for some members to leave the room, this is down to the sonographer’s and the chaperone’s professional judgement.
The chaperone should remain calm and be supportive. Do not offer medical advice, this is the role of the sonographer as the healthcare professional. The chaperone’s role is to support the sonographer and the client by being compassionate.
The chaperone should listen to what the sonographer tells the client.

Once printed and signed by the sonographer the chaperone should add the scan report to the folder.
If the client wants a copy of the scan image the chaperone should print the photograph and place it in the woman’s scan report folder.
The follow up referral letter should be made ready for the woman.
It is important that everyone stays calm and supportive of the family.
It is important to listen to the woman and her guests and allow them to express their emotions. The clinic team must show that they are also feeling their sadness.
The sonographer will have their own ways of breaking bad news but explaining their findings honestly and directly in a way the woman understands is essential. The woman should leave the clinic fully aware of the scan findings and her follow up.
It is important to remember that when told bad news it is only the first sentence that is heard, so before the woman leaves the clinic it is essential to ensure the woman and/or guests have understood everything and have all the information they need.

Once the scan report has detailed the required follow up treatment they should discuss this with the clinic manager so that the follow up appointment can be arranged. More experienced chaperones may be asked to arrange the follow-up appointment.
It is important that the client’s consent to share the scan findings with the NHS is granted before passing any details outside of the clinic.
The clinic manager or experience chaperone should telephone the Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) or Fetal Medicine Unit and give clear details to the Specialists.
The woman’s name, date of birth and if possible NHS number will be needed
The scan report details should be given along with the Sonographer details (it is important that EPU accept the scan report)
If for any reason a referral to the hospital is not possible, the clinic team should contact the client’s General Practitioner.