Evaluation of nine pilot obstetric ultrasound education workshops for Australian rural and remote doctors

This article describes the evaluation of nine pilot obstetric ultrasound education workshops for Australian rural and remote doctors developed in response to an educational needs assessment that showed a large unmet need in this area.METHODData from pre- and post-knowledge tests were analysed in SPSS. Data from the follow-up sonographer assessment visits were analysed in an EXCEL spreadsheet.RESULTSIn all, 141 doctors attended one of the nine pilot obstetric ultrasound workshops and reported an increase in their confidence in obstetric ultrasound. The overall workshop pre- and post-knowledge test mean improved from a score of 13.9 to 15.5 (p = 0.001) and the RANZCOG pre- and post-knowledge test mean improved from 9.56 to 15.12 (p = <0.001). Data from the follow-up competency assessment visits showed doctors were competent in some areas but required further practice in others.CONCLUSIONAn intensive educational intervention can successfully address the pre-determined needs of rural and remote doctors. However, this intervention should be followed by ongoing practice-based education and assessment.