OP 23.03: The effect of e‐learning on the quality of cervical length measurements
Melanie A. van Os, Jeanine van der Ven, Peter M. Bloemendaal, Eva Pajkrt, Christianne J.M. de Groot, B.J. Mol, Monique C. Haak · Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2014
Training in ultrasonography is frequently done by hands-on teaching by an experienced sonographer. We developed a cervical length (CL) measurement e-learning module (CLEM) with the purpose to enhance the knowledge and skills of experienced sonographers. CLEM was designed especially for sonographers who perform ultrasound in general obstetrical practice, but who do not regularly perform CL measurements. We assessed the effect of the CLEM on the quality of CL measurements comparing CLEM trained and CLEM non-trained sonographers. The CLEM consists of 5 theoretical questions and 3 calliper placing tests to acquire the CL measurement technique. We offered CLEM to sonographers working in primary, secondary and tertiary care institutions. The quality of the CL measurements of CLEM participants were compared with images of non-participants (control group), by using a CL measurement image score (CIS) defined as the sum of six items assessing the quality of the image; each item was granted 1, 2 or 3 points, depending on a poor, moderate or good score (fig. 1). Each CLEM participant submitted five CL images after completing the CLEM, the images of non CLEM trained sonographers were randomly selected from a sonography database. OP23.03: Figure 1. CIS The CIS of the sonographers who completed the CLEM (n = 61) was significantly higher than the CIS of sonographers who did not participate in the CLEM (n = 23, 164.8 vs. 155.4 respectively, p = 0.03). Visibility of the internal os and positioning of the callipers on internal and external os was found to be significantly better in the CLEM participants compared to controls (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). The CLEM improves the quality of the CL measurements made by trained and untrained sonographers.