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Implementing an obstetric ultrasound training program in rural Africa
Author(s) -
Greenwold Natalie,
Wallace Sarah,
Prost Anne,
Jauniaux Eric
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.09.018
Subject(s) - medicine , obstetric ultrasound , placenta previa , obstetrics , rural area , developing country , pregnancy , family medicine , fetus , placenta , genetics , pathology , biology , economics , economic growth
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of basic obstetric ultrasound training in rural Africa. Methods An 8‐week training course, led by UK‐based sonographers, was supported by training videos and followed by 10 months of remotely supported scanning in Mandimba, Mozambique. Data were collected prospectively using an Android tablet and the EpiCollect web application. Results The study group included 1744 pregnant women: 804 scanned by trainees under direct supervision and 940 scanned by trainees alone. Ultrasound identified 36 (2.1%) twin pregnancies, 230 (13.2%) breech presentations, 83 (4.8%) transverse presentations, and 22 (1.3%) cases of placenta previa. The detection rates for the above features were similar in the 2 groups. A subgroup of 230 (13.2%) women had a follow‐up scan and 62 (3.6%) were referred to a doctor; 21 of these women required cesarean delivery. Conclusion Ultrasound training in a rural setting supported remotely is feasible, efficient, and sustainable. It can help local healthcare workers to screen their prenatal populations for obstetric and neonatal risks, and therefore has the potential to improve outcomes at delivery and provide site‐specific epidemiologic data that can be used to develop new healthcare provision strategies.