OBJECTIVE: To review the current training opportunities for ultrasound use for health workers practising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: A PubMed search using terms ultrasound, sonography, echocardiography, developing country/countries, developing world, low resource settings, low income country/countries, training and education was conducted. Articles from 2000 to 2011 that included data on ultrasonography training were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: This review shows that most ultrasound scans are performed by generalist and obstetric physicians and even non-medical personnel with little to no formal training in ultrasonography. The spectrum of ultrasonography training described spanned from no formal training to formal certification and residency programmes. All courses included some component of didactics and hands-on training. Follow-up of trainee skills ranged from none, to telemedicine case review, to formal re-evaluations and intensive refresher courses. Ultrasonographic training in LMICs often does not meet the WHO criteria such as the number of scans under supervision and length of training programme recommended by WHO. Nevertheless, some programmes manage to have excellent outcomes with regard to diagnostic accuracy and retention of knowledge by trained personnel. CONCLUSION: Regulation and quality control of training in ultrasound skills for those working in LMICs can be improved. Research on effective training and follow-up should be encouraged.
OBJECTIVE: To review the current training opportunities for ultrasound use for health workers practising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS: A PubMed search using terms ultrasound, sonography, echocardiography, developing country/countries, developing world, low resource settings, low income country/countries, training and education was conducted. Articles from 2000 to 2011 that included data on ultrasonography training were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: This review shows that most ultrasound scans are performed by generalist and obstetric physicians and even non-medical personnel with little to no formal training in ultrasonography. The spectrum of ultrasonography training described spanned from no formal training to formal certification and residency programmes. All courses included some component of didactics and hands-on training. Follow-up of trainee skills ranged from none, to telemedicine case review, to formal re-evaluations and intensive refresher courses. Ultrasonographic training in LMICs often does not meet the WHO criteria such as the number of scans under supervision and length of training programme recommended by WHO. Nevertheless, some programmes manage to have excellent outcomes with regard to diagnostic accuracy and retention of knowledge by trained personnel. CONCLUSION: Regulation and quality control of training in ultrasound skills for those working in LMICs can be improved. Research on effective training and follow-up should be encouraged.
Authors: Sean P Denny; William B Minteer; Reece T H Fenning; Sahil Aggarwal; Debora H Lee; Shella K Raja; Kaavya R Raman; Allison O Farfel; Priya A Patel; Megan E Bernstein; Shadi Lahham; John C Fox Journal: World J Emerg Med Date: 2018
Authors: Kerryn A Moore; Julie A Simpson; Kyla H Thomas; Marcus J Rijken; Lisa J White; Saw Lu Moo Dwell; Moo Kho Paw; Jacher Wiladphaingern; Sasithon Pukrittayakamee; François Nosten; Freya J I Fowkes; Rose McGready Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-06-26 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Sachita Shah; Blaise A Bellows; Adeyinka A Adedipe; Jodie E Totten; Brandon H Backlund; Dana Sajed Journal: Crit Ultrasound J Date: 2015-06-19
Authors: Stephan Karl; Connie S N Li Wai Suen; Holger W Unger; Maria Ome-Kaius; Glen Mola; Lisa White; Regina A Wangnapi; Stephen J Rogerson; Ivo Mueller Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-05-06 Impact factor: 3.240