Ultrasonography Knowledge and Practices among Obstetrics/Gynecology Practitioners; A Nationwide Survey in Jordan

Abstract

Abstract Background: Ultrasonography is an indispensable tool in obstetric practice. This study aims to assess the ultrasonography-related knowledge, practices, and training aspects of Jordanian Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) practitioners. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan between September 2019 and January 2021 among OB/GYN medical practitioners. The study tool was based on a questionnaire composed of 25 closed-ended questions on demographic data and ultrasonography-related knowledge, practices, and training. Results: A total of 197 practitioners participated, and these were mostly female (N=126, 64.0%) and specialist (N=156, 79.2%). Most participants had sufficient knowledge on timing of detailed fetal scans (78.7%), nuchal translucency scans (89.3%) and aneuploidy markers (74%); these participants were mostly female (P=0.000, P= 0.04, respectively). On the other hand, insufficient knowledge was noted on other aspects, including the as-low-as-reasonably-achievable (ALARA) principle (25.9%) and meaning of the terms thermal index (25.4%) and mechanical index (23.9%), with no gender differences found. Only 45.2% of participants attended ultra-sonography workshops in the past 2 years, and the attendees were mainly female (P=0.016). Regression analysis indicated that attending training courses on ultrasonography within past 2 years and routine practice of requesting detailed fetal scans between 18 and 22 weeks were the only significant predictor variables for high knowledge scores (P=0.002 and < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Educational courses on ultrasound safety and practices are warranted for OB/GYN practitioners working in Jordan, especially for male practitioners. Revising undergraduate medical curricula and increasing the number of qualified specialists in maternal-fetal medicine may be necessary, particularly in aspects relating to the introduction of advanced ultrasound physics and practice.