<scp>ISUOG</scp> Basic Training program: contribution to improving theoretical sonographic knowledge

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) has developed a Basic Training (BT) program1 over recent years to address the lack of international standardization of sonographic training in obstetrics and gynecology. The BT program provides a systematic approach covering the essential theoretical and practical components for training in obstetric and gynecological sonography to ensure the best standard of care. The BT program offers a comprehensive introduction to required topics in ultrasound for obstetrics and gynecology to any healthcare provider, regardless of their prior training or clinical background. The ultimate goal is that, upon completion of the program, trainees will have sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform an unsupervised ultrasound scan, and be confident in knowing when to refer a patient for further imaging and care. Despite the importance and scope of this training, published data assessing its educational impact remain limited2. This prospective observational work was conducted from February 2023 to April 2024 to assess the immediate theoretical knowledge improvement of participants attending an ISUOG BT course. The courses were held across five countries: Egypt, Oman, India, Turkey and the USA (Table S1). The BT program was accessible to a heterogeneous group of healthcare professionals, including novice sonologists, obstetrics and gynecology residents, midwives and, senior obstetricians. Participants completed a validated 40-question multiple-choice test both before and immediately after the course3. The questions covered all major theoretical components of the curriculum and each correct answer scored one point. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. We used the Mann–Whitney U-test to compare mean scores before and after the course, and the chi-square test for binary variables, considering P-values < 0.05 as statistically significant. Considering a total of 375 participants who completed the BT course, the mean ± SD score improved significantly from 16.33 ± 5.61 (95% CI, 15.71–16.96) on the pre-course test to 23.86 ± 7.30 (95% CI, 23.11–24.61) on the post-course test (P < 0.001) (Figure 1). The proportion of participants achieving a score of ≥ 70% (i.e. ≥ 28/40) increased significantly from 4.2% (13/311) on the pre-course test to 30.9% (114/369) on the post-course test (P < 0.001). Not all participants answered the pre- and post-course tests due to late attendance (n = 64) and early departure (n = 6), respectively. These results demonstrate a meaningful and immediate improvement in theoretical sonographic knowledge following participation in the ISUOG BT course. The observed mean gain of over seven points underscores the effectiveness of a structured, standardized curriculum in enhancing obstetric and gynecological ultrasound knowledge across diverse geographic regions and a variety of professional backgrounds. Our findings align with previous studies that have documented significant knowledge gains through similar ultrasound education programs4, 5. However, we are aware of the limitations of this work as it assessed only short-term knowledge acquisition immediately after course completion. Additional research is needed to evaluate knowledge retention over time. The next step in the BT course is the assessment of practical skills in obstetric and gynecological ultrasound. The BT Sub-Committee has recently validated a practical evaluation and started using this assessment for trainees as the final step for a full BT course certification, with the ultimate goal that this knowledge will be translated into improved clinical practice. Furthermore, whilst the significant increase in scores after the course is encouraging, the post-course average score is suboptimal, with only one third of participants reaching the 70% threshold usually applied in academic settings. The BT Sub-Committee has hence developed the BT online program1 where trainees can learn at their own pace and be evaluated when they think they are ready. In conclusion, the ISUOG BT program significantly improves immediate theoretical knowledge of obstetric and gynecological ultrasound. These results support the continued global implementation and expansion of this program. Future efforts should focus on longitudinal assessment, integration of practical skill training and evaluation of clinical impact to ensure sustainable improvements in maternal–fetal care. N.V., C.V. and G.E.C. are members of the ISUOG Basic Training Sub-Committee. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Table S1 Dates and locations of Basic Training course sessions included in study. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.