Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Limited 3rd trimester Obstetric Ultrasound Curriculum

  • Course Duration: 4-8 hours with submission of 25 ultrasound images for audit
  • Target Audience: Primary care physicians, emergency physicians, obstetricians, midwives, and other healthcare professionals involved in obstetric care
  • Course Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Module 1

Introduction to Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the principles of POCUS
  • Identify the benefits of POCUS in obstetric care
  • Learn about machine operation and basic settings
  • Discuss safety protocols, image quality, and limitations of POCUS

Key Topics:

  • Basic ultrasound physics and image acquisition
  • Machine settings: Gain, depth, focus, frequency
  • Safety guidelines (ALARA principle)
  • Documentation and reporting of findings
  • Scope of limited obstetric ultrasound

Module 2

Anatomy Review for Obstetric Ultrasound

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize key anatomical structures during obstetric ultrasound
  • Identify common variations and normal findings
  • Techniques to avoid errors

Key Topics:

  • Fetal presentation (Vertex, Breech, Transverse, Oblique)
  • Biophysical Profile (Breathing, Tone, Fluid, Movement)
  • Placental location
  • Fetal Heart Rate (Measure using M-mode and PWD)

Module 3

Third-Trimester Obstetric Ultrasound (24+ Weeks)

Learning Objectives:

  • Perform basic fetal surveillance techniques
  • Assess fetal position, AFI, and well-being
  • Recognize common complications in the third trimester

Key Topics:

  • Fetal position, presentation, and lie
  • Assessment of fetal movement
  • Placental issues (placenta previa, placental abruption)
  • Biophysical profile (BPP) components in limited ultrasound
  • Assessment of amniotic fluid volume

Hands-on Practice:

  • Assessing fetal presentation and AFI
  • Evaluating placental position
  • Basic fetal surveillance techniques (NST vs. BPP)

Module 4

Practical Skills Development & Simulation

Learning Objectives:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in performing limited obstetric ultrasound
  • Interpret ultrasound findings accurately
  • Practice critical decision-making based on ultrasound results

Key Topics:

  • Real-time scanning on live models or simulation dummies
  • Interpretation of ultrasound images in various obstetric scenarios
  • Case studies: Making clinical decisions based on ultrasound findings
  • Peer-to-peer and instructor feedback on scanning technique and image quality

Module 5

Documentation, Reporting & Communication

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn how to document ultrasound findings effectively
  • Develop skills to communicate ultrasound findings to the clinical team

Key Topics:

  • Standard reporting formats for obstetric ultrasound
  • Communicating findings with clarity: Normal vs. abnormal findings
  • Discussing next steps with patients and clinical teams

Hands-on Practice:

  • Assessing fetal presentation and AFI
  • Evaluating placental position
  • Basic fetal surveillance techniques (NST vs. BPP)

Final Evaluation

  • Written Test: Assessment of theoretical knowledge on obstetric ultrasound.
  • Practical Exam: Demonstration of ultrasound skills in a real or simulated environment.
  • Case-based Discussions: Ability to make clinical decisions based on ultrasound findings.

Course Wrap-up and Certification

  • Course Summary: Review of key learnings and essential skills
  • Certification: Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon demonstrating proficiency in the course content and practical skills.

Early, First Trimester Obstetric Ultrasound course coming soon.