Future of ultrasound training - update

As many will be aware we have been exploring changes in ultrasound training in obstetrics. The results of our survey largely confirmed the views at the AGM, that the current RCR/RCOG Diploma had outgrown its usefulness, and that other approaches should be considered.

As a result a group of key stakeholders met at the RCOG in May to try to find a way forward. The meeting was organised by the current Joint Standing Committee of the RCR and RCOG and was chaired by Matt Carty.

The meeting was useful and has shown a possible way forward.

It has been decided to divide ultrasound training in to manageable areas that have meaning in clinical practice. These are early pregnancy scanning (including NT and anatomy), anatomy screening, and late pregnancy assessment (including labour ward). There was agreement that there was a need for a short theoretical programme in order to provide understanding of ultrasound and of the technologies of the machines themselves, and that this would underpin all of the individual modules.

Small groups have been set up to look at each area.
The plan is that these will be competence based, and that they will be available prior to SpR 4 level. It is envisaged that individual trainees could choose 'modules' but all will have to do 'science' part. Completion of all modules will not be equivalent to current RCR/RCOG Diploma level and will not equip an individual to carry out 'consultant' scan sessions. It will provide a bridge between the current logbook requirements and a new Fetal Medicine Special Skill Module, which will bring trainees in years 4 or 5 to a level where they could practice at consultant level in a non-referral unit.

It was felt that eventually the late pregnancy module should be mandatory for anyone wanting to do Maternal or Labour Ward SSMs.

The new Fetal SSM is well advanced and many will have already had input. It may need further 'tweaking' given the likely changes to training and competence earlier in the sequence.

We will keep you informed as we go and if anyone has ideas about competence based training in any of these areas then we would welcome them.
We don't want you to get too fired up as the group is still sorting out the precise way forward - so don't send lots of angry emails (yet)!

Steve Walkinshaw
President