Ultrasound training in Developing Countries, Needs, What is Done? What We Have to Do? The Past, the Present, the Future

Point of care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a very topical subject and can be applied in a variety of ways with differing outcomes. Cost of all diagnostic procedures including obstetric ultrasound exams is a major factor in the developing world and POCUS is only useful if it can be equated to good outcomes and at a lower cost than a routine obstetric exam. The aim of this study was to train midwives to perform scans in a rural setting and identify high risk pregnancies who were then referred to specialist centers in established institutions for further management. We produced a curriculum for midwives who had no previous experience in ultrasound; they were given didactic lectures as well as hands on training in obstetric ultrasound. A comprehensive exit examination ensured that they were well trained to independently perform scans on their own. The midwives were stationed in rural locations where POCUS wa