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

Introduction: 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. Method: Data from pre- and post-knowledge tests were analysed in SPSS. Data from the follow-up sonographer assessment visits were analysed in an EXCEL spreadsheet. Results: In 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. Conclusion: An 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.