ISUOG Education Committee recommendations for basic training in obstetric and gynecological ultrasound

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) is an organization that encourages best practice, teaching and research in the field of imaging in women’s healthcare. Ultrasound is considered as the first-line imaging method of choice in women’s health. It is a simple, accurate and safe technique, making it amenable to use in both developed and underdeveloped countries. Ultrasonography is used both for screening and as a diagnostic tool in the presence of clinical symptoms. The accuracy of ultrasonography is linked to several technical factors, including those associated with both patient and machine. However, it is dependent primarily on the skill of the operator in using the equipment in order to obtain and interpret representative images. The teaching and training of medical health professionals performing ultrasonography is, therefore, crucial. It is the view of the ISUOG Education Committee that systematic training in ultrasonography can increase the efficiency of the learning process. These revised1 recommendations for basic training in obstetric and gynecological ultrasound are offered as guidance for national bodies responsible for establishing criteria and requirements for teaching and assessing the competence of trainees in obstetric and gynecological ultrasonography. Accordingly, they should be regarded as educational recommendations to provide a consensusbased approach to ultrasound training as applied in obstetrics and gynecology. Although they reflect what ISUOG currently considers to be best practice, they are not intended to establish a legal standard of care because some deviations are inevitable depending on individual circumstances and available resources. Approved guidelines and recommendations can be distributed freely with the permission of ISUOG (info@isuog.org).