Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health
MNCH Service Delivery Interventions
Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health
MNCH Service Delivery InterventionsObstetric Point of Care Ultrasound
Enhancing diagnosis and decision-making in maternal care
Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a vital tool for healthcare providers delivering maternal care, offering real-time imaging to assess both fetal and maternal health. It enables timely decision-making and interventions, particularly in low-resource settings where access to formal radiology services is limited or unavailable.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into obstetric POCUS represents an important advancement in maternal healthcare. AI-enhanced ultrasound systems can improve image quality, automate key measurements, and assist in detecting abnormalities with greater accuracy and consistency. These technologies empower healthcare workers – including those with limited formal ultrasound training – to make better-informed clinical decisions.
Additionally, AI-driven POCUS platforms support remote consultations, allowing specialists to review images and offer guidance in real time. This not only increases access to expert input but also reduces interpretation errors and improves workflow efficiency in busy or understaffed facilities.
When abnormal findings are detected through POCUS, providers should refer the patient for a standard diagnostic ultrasound for further evaluation and confirmation.
This section of the toolkit offers practical guidance for healthcare workers and local health leaders on the implementation, application, and scale-up of obstetric POCUS, helping improve outcomes for mothers and babies, especially in resource-constrained environments.
What Are the Benefits of Obstetric Point of Care Ultrasound?
How to Implement
1. Build Skills and Capacity Through Training
- Participate in competency-based training programs focused on obstetric POCUS.
- Gain hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified experts.
- Complete training requirements to receive formal certification in obstetric ultrasound.
2. Ensure Proper Equipment and Resources
3. Integrate POCUS into Maternal Health Services
- Use POCUS as part of routine antenatal care, especially for high-risk pregnancies.
- Follow clinical protocols for screenings such as fetal presentation, viability, gestational age, and placental location.
- Strengthen referral systems for further care when abnormalities are detected.
4. Follow Standardized Guidelines and Protocols
- Use WHO recommendations and local clinical protocols to guide POCUS use.
- Maintain clear documentation and follow reporting standards for all scans performed.
- Always obtain informed consent and adhere to ethical standards when performing ultrasounds.
Key Indicators
- Number of staff trained and certified in POCUS.
- Percentage of ANC visits incorporating ultrasound assessment.
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Tips
- Ensure proper positioning of the probe for optimal imaging.
- Maintain a structured scanning approach (fetal viability, gestational age, placental position, amniotic fluid assessment).
- Communicate findings clearly and compassionately to patients.
- Keep devices calibrated and clean to maintain accuracy.
- Stay updated with continuous professional development.
Challenges
- Limited Training Opportunities: Advocate for structured training programs and online learning modules.
- Equipment Shortages: Seek funding through partnerships and government initiatives.
- Data Interpretation Errors: Implement mentorship programs with experienced clinicians.
- Resistance to Adoption: Engage stakeholders through sensitization programs.
- Sustainability Issues: Develop maintenance plans and invest in durable equipment.
Key Resources
- Recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. WHO 2016
- Point of care obstetric ultrasound training for midwives and nurses: implementation and experiences of trainees at a rural based hospital in Sub-saharan Africa. BMC Res Notes 2023
- Training Midwives to Perform Basic Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Rural Areas Using a Tablet Platform and Mobile Phone Transmission Technology. A WFUMB COE Project 2017
