Data
The current status, awareness and education of ultrasonic diagnosis among midwives
2010 Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 366-374
Details
2010 Volume 24 Issue 2 Pages 366-374
Purpose
This study was conducted to examine the current status, awareness and education of ultrasonic diagnosis performed by midwives.
Subjects and Methods
We conducted a questionnaire survey involving midwives (n=794) working in 67 hospitals and clinics providing obstetric outpatient services and 81 maternity centers equipped with beds, identified through an Internet search.
Results
1 ) The numbers of midwives and obstetrician were significantly lower in facilities where ultrasonic diagnosis was performed by midwives.
2 ) The average age of midwives performing ultrasonic diagnosis (Group A) was markedly higher with increasing work experience, compared to those who do not perform it (Group B).
3 ) In Group A, 76.4% were of the opinion that "Pregnant and postpartum patients and their families will agree to ultrasonic diagnosis performed by midwives.", and 64.9% viewed "ultrasonic diagnosis as part of their tasks", giving a positive assessment.
4 ) Regarding the benefits of ultrasonic diagnosis performed by midwives, common answers in Group A included: "It will promote communication.", "Pregnant and postpartum patients and their families will become more interested in their babies.", "It is an effective means to determine the growth and abnormality of babies.", and "Compared to physicians, midwives can take more time for diagnosis". On the other hand, the majority of Group B cited "Possibility of the difference between the diagnosis of doctor", "an increase in workload" as a drawback.
5 ) On the ultrasonic diagnosis of the abnormality, about 80% of midwives answered "Though it is told to be abnormal, the concrete diagnosis name is not spoken".
6 ) Nearly 100% of midwives recognized the importance of education on ultrasonic diagnosis, and 80% thought that education, including lectures and practical training on "operative procedures" and "diagnostic imaging", should be provided by their facilities.
Conclusion
Since ultrasonic diagnosis is being performed by an increasing number of midwives, it is important to develop an education system and consultation system in an abnormal case.
