05 August 2025
Understanding Diagnostic and Non-Diagnostic Ultrasounds in Pregnancy
Fact Sheet Review Focus Group
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
What’s the opportunity?
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health care (The Commission) has developed a fact sheet to help consumers understand the difference between diagnostic and non-diagnostic ultrasounds in pregnancy.
During pregnancy, diagnostic ultrasounds are needed to check the health and development of a foetus. These usually take place in a medical clinic or hospital, and you will be notified by your clinical team (GP, midwife or nurse) as to when these are required. These scans are performed by qualified professionals (sonographer, radiologist etc).
The Commission has been informed that non-diagnostic ultrasounds are being performed by people who are not qualified professionals. These scans are not in line with Australian and international guidelines and cannot give information about a foetus’s development and health.
The Commission is convening a consumer focus group to review the draft Pregnancy Ultrasound Fact Sheet.
Who will be in the focus group?
The Commission is looking for up to 15 consumers to join a focus group discussion online. Consumers must identify as one of the following;
A consumer who has been pregnant in the last 3 years and received an ultrasound
are currently pregnant
are planning on pregnancy in the next 3 years.
What will the focus group do?
Participants will be asked to:
Review a draft two-page fact sheet
Share their thoughts on how useful the guide is for understanding the differences between pregnancy ultrasound options
Discuss ideas to improve the fact sheet to help consumers make informed choices about pregnancy ultrasounds.
What you'll need to do:
Join a zoom meeting on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, 11:00am to 12:30pm (AEST) (1.5 hours).
Complete up to 30 minutes of reading before the meeting
You’ll be paid $95.20 per hour (ex GST) for your time.
What we want to know from you:
Can you join the Zoom meeting on Wednesday, 10 September from 11:00am to 12:30pm (AEST)?
Do you identify as one of the following;
Someone who has gone through pregnancy in the last 3 years (and received an ultrasound)
Are currently pregnant
Are planning on pregnancy in the next 3 years
Why do you want to be part of this focus group? (You do not need to disclose the medical details of your health care need)
Do you have a computer/laptop and reliable internet access to join the Zoom call?
Other details:
A selection panel will select participants who represent a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
Recognising the sensitivity and potential lived experience of participants, the Commission recognises that some participants may wish to give feedback privately.
To Apply:
Please fill out our Expression of Interest form. Applications close at 8am (AEST) on Friday, 22 August 2025.
Applicants will be notified about the outcome by Wednesday, 3 September 2025
Questions?
You can contact the Consumer Engagement team, at admin@chf.org.au
