ISUOG Outreach training in ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology in Kyrgyzstan - Phase I Trip 3.
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Dates: 19-23 February 2024
Project Partners: Kyrgyz Association of Radiology, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health, the Family Clinic.
Trainees: 25
Project Purpose: To provide ultrasound training to local OB/GYN practitioners in Kyrgyzstan with the intention that these trainees eventually become local trainers and build local capacity for greater sustainable development in maternal health outcomes countrywide.
Project Deliverables
Goal: By the end of Phase I, local trainers will be confident in scanning techniques and conduct quality scans in line with basic training outreach templates (SO2).
Output: Training local trainers in basic ultrasound in OB/GYN scanning by evaluating their progress and provide mentoring between programs.
Outcome: Identify potential trainers to carry training into Phase II who will be confident providing training in quality OBGYN scanning under supervision of ISUOG. and competent in delivering OB/GN ultrasound training to help increase the level of anomaly identification and aid in preventing preventable causes of maternal mortality locally.
Participants: 25 trainees from across Kyrgyzstan.
Training Location: Bishkek Obstetrics and Gynecological Hospital
The program consisted of lectures in the morning (from 9:30 to 12:00), followed by hands-on training in the late afternoon (from 13:30 to 16:00). The day began with a brief opening ceremony hosted by the Kyrgyz Association of Radiology to welcome the 25 trainees who came from across Kyrgyzstan. Out of the 26 initially registered trainees, 25 were present for the program, with one trainee having dropped out due to personal issues.
The Basic Training Curriculum was used for training and divided among the trainees for delivery. Pre- and post-test assessments in both practical and theoretical skill sets were administered at the beginning and end of the program to evaluate the skills acquired. The entire training was conducted in Russian. It is worth noting that all content, including presentations, assessments, and materials, was fully translated by ISUOG’s volunteer Russian translators.
During Trip 2, roundtable evaluations were conducted, and preliminary scores were assigned to the trainees, determining their current standing within the program. Trainers were tasked with evaluating and providing feedback on the potential of trainees to become trainers within their respective groups. These evaluations were based on the engagement of the trainees with their trainers and their overall performance, resulting in ratings from A (Potential trainer/Sonographer) to D (low quality, needs improvement). It is important to note that these evaluations serve as indicators to help trainees understand their progress, with final evaluations provided at Trip 3. At present, seven potential trainers have been identified, with two receiving an F rating (not suitable for OBGYN ultrasound training).
A roundtable was held between trainers, individual trainees, ISUOG, and project partners. While Trip 2 provided preliminary evaluations, Trip 3 was definitive. Due to the high number of potential trainers, a thorough scrutiny process was implemented to ensure only the best candidates were advanced forward. Trainees were given the final evaluation of A (Potential trainer), B (Potential Sonographer or Trainer), C (Needs Improvement) and D (low quality, needs improvement). Trainees with a B rating for Potential Sonographer were invited to take part in Phase II to further refine their skills. Those with an A rating were identified as Potential Trainers and immediately advanced to Phase II. Those with C and lower were discontinued from the program.
At the end of the evaluation, a total of 12 Potential Trainers were identified. Phase II of the ISUOG Outreach Program in Kyrgyzstan is scheduled to take place in November in the city of Osh. This program would not have been possible without the support of the Kyrgyz Association for Radiology and Mindray, who partnered with us to ensure a smooth Phase I.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Health for their unwavering commitment to advancing women’s health outcomes in the country. ISUOG Outreach looks forward to further planning and engagement with all stakeholders to enhance capacity during Phase II this coming autumn.