Annika Åhman1, Kristina Edvardsson2, Hussein Lesio Kidanto3, Matilda Ngarina4, Rhonda Small5, Ingrid Mogren6. 1. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: annika.ahman@umu.se. 2. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University, Sweden; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: kristina.edvardsson@umu.se. 3. Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health, Ministry of Health, Social Welfare, Gender, Children and Elderly Affairs, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Sweden. Electronic address: hussein.lesio_kidanto@kbh.uu.se. 4. Muhimbili National Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Electronic address: mmatty71@gmail.com. 5. Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: r.small@latrobe.edu.auv. 6. Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University, Sweden. Electronic address: ingrid.mogren@umu.se.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore Tanzanian midwives' experiences and views of the role of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management of pregnancy, and in situations where maternal and fetal health interests conflict. METHOD: In 2015, five focus group discussions were conducted with midwives (N = 31) at three public referral hospitals in the Dar es Salaam region as part of the CROss Country Ultrasound Study (CROCUS). RESULTS: Ultrasound was described as decisive for proper management of pregnancy complications. Midwives noted an increasing interest in ultrasound among pregnant women. However, concerns were expressed about the lack of ultrasound equipment and staff capable of skilful operation. Further, counselling regarding medical management was perceived as difficult due to low levels of education among pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has an important role in management of pregnancy complications. However, lack of equipment and shortage of skilled healthcare professionals seem to hamper use of obstetric ultrasound in this particular low-resource setting. Increased availability of obstetric ultrasound seems warranted, but further investments need to be balanced with advanced clinical skills' training as barriers, including power outages and lack of functioning equipment, are likely to continue to limit the provision of pregnancy ultrasound in this setting.
OBJECTIVE: To explore Tanzanian midwives' experiences and views of the role of obstetric ultrasound in relation to clinical management of pregnancy, and in situations where maternal and fetal health interests conflict. METHOD: In 2015, five focus group discussions were conducted with midwives (N = 31) at three public referral hospitals in the Dar es Salaam region as part of the CROss Country Ultrasound Study (CROCUS). RESULTS: Ultrasound was described as decisive for proper management of pregnancy complications. Midwives noted an increasing interest in ultrasound among pregnant women. However, concerns were expressed about the lack of ultrasound equipment and staff capable of skilful operation. Further, counselling regarding medical management was perceived as difficult due to low levels of education among pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has an important role in management of pregnancy complications. However, lack of equipment and shortage of skilled healthcare professionals seem to hamper use of obstetric ultrasound in this particular low-resource setting. Increased availability of obstetric ultrasound seems warranted, but further investments need to be balanced with advanced clinical skills' training as barriers, including power outages and lack of functioning equipment, are likely to continue to limit the provision of pregnancy ultrasound in this setting.
Authors: Marika Toscano; Thomas J Marini; Kathryn Drennan; Timothy M Baran; Jonah Kan; Brian Garra; Ann M Dozier; Rafael L Ortega; Rosemary A Quinn; Yu T Zhao; Miguel S Egoavil; Lorena Tamayo; Claudia Carlotto; Benjamin Castaneda Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2021-04-26 Impact factor: 3.007
Authors: Gill Moncrieff; Kenneth Finlayson; Sarah Cordey; Rebekah McCrimmon; Catherine Harris; Maria Barreix; Özge Tunçalp; Soo Downe Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-12-14 Impact factor: 3.240