Forthcoming Issue Vol. 19 no. 1 Quality Of Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Interpretation Among Doctors in The Western Cape Metro: A Clinical Survey

Main Article Content

F Belay
A Horn
S Pillay

Abstract

Background: Cranial ultrasound (cUS) is a recommended skill for paediatric and neonatal trainees in South Africa, but there are no national guidelines for training of clinicians performing cUS.


Objectives: To assess the level of training, skills, and knowledge in performing and interpreting cUS among paediatric registrars and neonatal subspecialty senior registrars working in tertiary and regional neonatal units in the West Metro Area of Cape Town.


Methods: Trainees who had worked at least one month in neonatology on the University of Cape Town training platform were sent an online survey.


Results: Thirty-one paediatric registrars and five neonatal senior registrars were sent the survey. Twenty-six surveys were returned (72%). No trainee had attended a formal cUS course, 18 (69%) had attended a formal lecture from a neonatologist, and 8 (30%) had attended a formal bedside tutorial from a consultant. Ten (38%) trainees received initial training from other registrars, medical officers, or through self-study. The required components of a cUS report and number of images in the coronal and sagittal planes were known by a minority. Correct identification of the major features of images ranged from 12% to 92%. Trainees with ≥ 24 months experience were more likely to identify a normal scan (58% vs. 14%; p=0.038) and less likely to assign abnormal prognosis in a term baby with increased white matter echogenicity (0% vs. 43%; p=0.017).


Conclusions: There was inadequate and variable cUS training and competency in paediatric and neonatal trainees in our institution. A national standardised training program for clinician-performed neonatal cUS is needed.

Article Details

How to Cite
Forthcoming Issue Vol. 19 no. 1: Quality Of Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Interpretation Among Doctors in The Western Cape Metro: A Clinical Survey. (2024). South African Journal of Child Health. https://doi.org/10.7196/
Section
Research

How to Cite

Forthcoming Issue Vol. 19 no. 1: Quality Of Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Interpretation Among Doctors in The Western Cape Metro: A Clinical Survey. (2024). South African Journal of Child Health. https://doi.org/10.7196/

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