Evaluation of an ultrasound program (intermediate obstetric and emergency medicine) for Australian rural and remote doctors

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This paper describes the evaluation of an intermediate obstetric ultrasound and emergency medicine ultrasound education workshop for rural and remote Australian doctors, which was developed in response to an educational needs assessment that showed an unmet need in this area. The workshop was held in four Australian states. The participants were 61 rural and remote doctors.

METHODS: Data from pre- and post-workshop knowledge tests and general workshop evaluation were analysed.

RESULTS: Sixty-one doctors attended an ultrasound workshop and self-reported increases in knowledge, confidence and expertise in ultrasound. The mean pretest score for 56 doctors who completed both the pre- and post-workshop knowledge tests was 31.6 and the post-test score mean was 33.3 out of a possible score of 44, which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge (P = 0.003).

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The evaluation of the workshop demonstrated that it was an effective way of increasing knowledge and confidence in intermediate obstetric ultrasound and emergency medicine ultrasound. The workshop was popular and received very positive feedback from the attendees.