Time to scale-up point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in obstetrics and gynaecology in Nigeria
1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) College of Medicine/ESUT Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, Nigeria.
2 Part-time healthcare providers to Semino Hospital and Maternity, Abakpa Nike, Enugu, Nigeria.
Review
World Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 2024, 06(02), 001–006.
Article DOI: 10.53346/wjapmr.2024.6.2.0033
Publication history:
Received on 13 February 2024; revised on 17 April 2024; accepted on 20 April 2024
Abstract:
The availability, affordability and portability of high-resolution-ultrasound machine in recent years have made ultrasound an indispensable point-of-care diagnostic and procedural tool in current practice of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. POCUS is a goal-directed (focused/emergency) ultrasound examination performed by the healthcare provider in the consulting office or patient’s bedside to make a specific diagnosis that will direct timely and definitive treatment of the patient. It improves clinical outcomes, prevents hospital delays, promotes swift definitive treatment, reduces cost and enhances patient satisfaction without exposure to ionizing radiation. It is a readily available care in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Skills acquisition in POCUS should be incorporated in teaching programs for midwives, medical students, resident doctors and consultants. This review aims to summarize the literature on the advances in ultrasound technology, indications and practice guidelines for clinicians’ POCUS examinations in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Recommendations to fill the gaps in the current training and skills acquisition in Nigeria are proposed.
Keywords:
POCUS; Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Indications; Guidelines; Scale-up-practice
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Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0