Implementation and evaluation of ultrasound simulation training for midwives

With point-of-care ultrasound devices becoming ubiquitous, midwives can undertake late pregnancy scans. The effectiveness of the optical ultrasound simulation system has been demonstrated in doctors with minimal experience of ultrasound, but its effectiveness in training midwives is unknown. The Sono-Breech Study evaluated the usefulness of the Volutracer optical ultrasound simulation system as a training tool for midwives to perform scans for fetal presentation and viability. This article explores feedback from the midwives who took part in the study, who were highly satisfied that it improved their understanding of ultrasound and reported that they would recommend the training to others. This suggests that structured ultrasound simulation training programmes have the potential to teach midwives basic ultrasound skills and support the formulation of a pathway that can be implemented in midwifery training.