(281) Prospective evaluation of obstetric point of care ultrasound (POCUS) competency training in Bangladesh

Objective: To improve knowledge and image acquisition in obstetric ultrasound via remote image review of obstetric POCUS following in person ultrasound education and training program in low resource settings. Secondary objective was to generate preliminary timelines and ultrasound volumes for the skill acquisition of basic obstetric point of care ultrasound.

Study Design: Prospective observational evaluation of a six-physician cohort from October 2023 to April 2024 in Bangladesh, following a 10-day ultrasound training intervention in refugee camps.

Results: 225 ultrasounds were remotely reviewed over a 24-week period. Written examinations assessed pre-intervention knowledge (average score 57%) and post-intervention knowledge (89%) with an average score increase of 36%. Basic obstetric POCUS competency was achieved in 83% (5 of 6) trainees. Median time from completion of training to competency was 133 days (range 55-169). Median number of ultrasounds to reach competency was 40 (range 26-59). A four-month post-intervention written knowledge assessment was performed, with an average score of 91%.

Conclusion: OB POCUS competency following in-person ultrasound education and remote image review was achieved in nearly all trainees, and written knowledge assessment at four months post intervention showed similar scores as immediate post educational assessments. This finding supports adding remote image review in obstetric POCUS education and generates preliminary timelines and ultrasound volumes to achieve competency.