Perspectives of Health Care Providers on Obstetric Point-Of-Care Ultrasound in Lower-Level Health Facilities in Kenya
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Background: Ultrasound technology has become integral in antenatal care for its diagnostic effectiveness and
potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Despite its proven benefits, challenges persist in its
widespread adoption, particularly in low-resource settings like Kenya. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore
the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the integration of obstetric point-of-care ultrasound into
routine maternal services in low-level facilities Kenya.
Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative study embedded in a large scale implementation study 76 healthcare
providers who had undergone obstetric point-ofcare ultrasound training and were providing maternal services
were purposively sampled from healthcare facilities across eight counties. Data was collected using structured
audiotaped interviews, which were transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Five main themes with several subthemes emerged from the analysis: (1) Clinical Decision-Making (2)
Quality of Services, (3) Training, (4)Technology Issues, and (5) Sustainability.
Discussion: Findings from this study suggest that use of obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound in resource-limited
primary care settings, can enhance clinical decision making and influence patient management, ultimately
resulting in significant health outcomes.
Conclusion: Equipping health care providers with skills to conduct obstetric point of care ultrasound can lead to
better-informed clinical decisions and ultimately contribute to improved health outcomes in underserved
populations.
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Citation
Onsongo, Lister N., et al. "Perspectives of health care providers on obstetric point-of-care ultrasound in lower-level health facilities in Kenya." Midwifery 140 (2025): 104196.