Implementing ultrasound education: An active learning programme (Skills Labs) for midwifery students

Background: Since 2011, in Italy, midwives have been granted the authorization to employ ultrasound as a valuable tool for monitoring maternal and foetal parameters. This technology enables timely and accurate interpretation and assessment of the normal progression of pregnancy and labor. This specialized skill can only be acquired through comprehensive training for both practitioners and students. This study aimed to implement a structured learning program for developing the technical and practical skills required for obstetric ultrasound using a field-based laboratory teaching approach. Additionally, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching methodology used. Methods: The approved experimental study was conducted at a university in northern Italy. This initiative engaged thirty-seven students in their second and third years of the midwifery degree program at the University of Genoa. In addition to their standard coursework, they participated in a two-hour session, which entailed viewing instructional video tutorials. Subsequently, they collaborated in small groups to construct a checklist for conducting obstetric ultrasounds during pregnancy and generate a shared document. Following this preparatory phase, each student independently performed five scans on pregnant women attending San Martino Polyclinic Hospital in Genoa. The study sample, consisting of 83 women, included singleton pregnancies in the third trimester. Learning progress was evaluated using the prepared checklist. This study used the validated Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of the teaching methodology, which was a secondary objective of the study. Results: The results unequivocally demonstrated the practical efficacy and utility of the project, along with the high levels of satisfaction reported by the participating students from both academic years. Conclusion: Consequently, there is a strong case for incorporating this initiative into the curriculum of the midwifery degree program, thereby ensuring the continuity of this project that arose because of this study. Although the study results are positive, the researchers suggest conducting a follow-up evaluation one year later to determine whether the skills acquired through the training are retained over time. Trial registration: The Ethics Committee approved the study (Resolution No. 1151 of 19/07/2023).