Training In Obstetric Sonography In Family Medicine Residency Programs: Results Of A Nationwide Survey And Suggestions For A Teaching Strategy

Abstract

Background: Obstetric sonography is a valuable diagnostic procedure for family physicians who provide obstetrics; however, physicians tend to use technology that was effectively modeled during residency. The purpose of this study was to learn how many family medicine residency program directors had an interest in and a need for training in obstetric sonography, as well as whether they were willing to commit faculty and finances for adding the technology to their programs.

Methods: All program directors listed in the 1989 American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Directory of Family Practice Residency Programs (n = 379) received a five-item questionnaire about obstetric services and use of sonograms in their programs and their desire for training in obstetric sonography.

Results: More than 81 percent of respondents said their programs provided obstetrics. Sixty-eight percent of these respondents used sonograms, and 53 percent indicated a need for training in obstetric sonography. Forty-five percent of all respondents, regardless of whether their programs offered obstetrics, indicated a desire for training.

Conclusions: The high level of interest in obstetric sonography can be explained, in part, by the 81 percent of respondents whose programs provided obstetrics. These figures suggest a need to establish a training curriculum in obstetric sonography for family medicine residency programs. Our training program, designed to reach faculty, residents, and practicing physicians, is described.