Effect of e-learning on quality of cervical-length measurements

Abstract

Objectives To assess the effect of implementation of a newly developed e-learning module on the quality of cervical-length measurements. Methods

Influence of cut‐off value on prevalence of short cervical length

“…It has been shown previously that it is not unlikely that a CL will be measured longer than it actually is. In a study about the learning curve of sonographers, the sonographers were more likely to overestimate a CL than to underestimate it 22 . We hypothesize that the sonographers underestimate a CL below 30 mm in order to prevent referral, which may cause distress to the pregnant woman, and therefore they are selecting towards a longer CL.…”

“…Other possible causes might be gestational age at measurement, parity and differences in the sonographic measurement technique. Our protocol was, however, identical to previously described methods in which the calipers were placed between the triangular area of echodensity at the external os and the V-shaped notch at the internal os 22 . Gestational age at measurement did not differ from other studies on this subject 7,10-13 .…”

“…Additionally, prior to commencement of the study, all participating sonographers were trained in measuring CL. The training program comprised an e-learning module, specifically designed to teach the CL measurement technique 22 . The sonographers were required to pass this e-learning module with a satisfactory grade.…”

Repeated cervical length measurements for the verification of short cervical length

“…Prior to participating in the parent study, sonographers performing initial cervical length measurements completed an e-learning module, received clinical training to perform cervical length measurements, and had to send five cervical length measurements to be judged by an expert panel, as described in detail previously. 10 All patients who had a cervical length of 30 mm or shorter were offered a second cervical length measurement within 14 days at a secondary or tertiary referral center for verification of short cervical length and for a quality control assessment that was necessary owing to transvaginal cervical length measurement not being incorporated in routine care at the onset of the study. Full protocol details have been published previously.…”

Midpregnancy Cervical Length in Nulliparous Women and its Association with Postterm Delivery and Intrapartum Cesarean Delivery

“…The guidelines for cervical measurement of the NVOG 31 were followed and explained to the sonographers before participation. Furthermore, at the start of the study we developed a cervical length measurement e-learning module to enhance the knowledge and skills of the experienced sonographers 34 and to guarantee the quality of the cervical length measurements in our study. Burger et al 35 described a variation of 2 mm or less in 87% of all measurements after implementation of a standard procedure for measuring cervical length, as we did.…”