title: Evaluation of Pacific obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound scanning capabilities, personnel, equipment and workloads.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There are no published data on the coverage, training or experience of ultrasound services in the Pacific. This study aimed to obtain information on the knowledge, experience and training of ultrasound operators and scanning equipment and workloads in the Pacific region.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants for the survey were recruited by post, via the Pacific Society of Reproductive Health (PSRH) website and at the PSRH conference. Questions obtained information on ultrasound scanning capabilities, personnel, equipment and workloads in the Pacific region
  
  
  RESULTS
  30 respondents from 17 hospitals in 11 countries provided completed questionnaires. Close to 50% of the responses were from Fiji. The majority of respondents were sonographers or obstetricians. Lack of transvaginal probes (7/17) in some facilities limit accuracy of early pregnancy scanning. 17/17 respondents felt an advanced course would be the preferred type of course.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a sound basic level of ultrasound being performed in the Pacific region. A multimodal training programme, incorporating a practical hands-on course based in New Zealand, combined with CD/published materials appears to be the best method of developing more advanced skills in order to optimise antenatal care in the region.
authors.affiliation: Pacific Women’s Health Research Development Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland.
authors.forename: Hemal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kodikara
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Alec
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ekeroma
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education / Q000295:instrumentation; D010139:Pacific Islands; D011247:Pregnancy; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult