True to the ISUOG mission, our Basic Training Online Program has been fundamental in giving scan providers a thorough grounding in the use of ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology.
The first Basic Training courses were delivered face-to-face in August 2016. By August 2023, we had trained numerous practitioners globally. To reach every corner of the world and enhance the knowledge of all OBGYN practitioners using ultrasound, we launched the online self-study program in September 2023, making the training widely available to practitioners everywhere.
The Basic Training Online Program (BTOP) provides the theoretical component of Basic Training via 30 interactive online modules and additional material. It is designed to make it easier for busy clinicians to access high-quality training in the way that suits them best. Its modular format and multimedia content make it ideal for learning at anytime, anywhere, and on most devices. Those enrolled on BTOP have access to the content for 12 months and can gain 30 CME credits by completing the course and passing the final assessment.
One ultrasound practitioner said this about the course: “I really enjoyed the format of the content, which included both videos and diagrams. I did have my reservations before starting the course, regarding learning a predominantly practical skill online. However, as soon as I began the coursework, I quickly realised that the content delivery and the number of examples provided were more than enough for me to gain this knowledge effectively and efficiently.”
Since September 2023, nearly 500 practitioners at all levels from countries around the world have signed up for the full program and are studying at their own pace.
Of those who have completed the full program so far:
- 91% found the material engaging and easy to follow.
- 95% will be implementing what they have learned in their practice.
- 95% said the material fulfilled their educational goals and expected learning outcomes.
Members Can Try a Free Taster Session
Over the past year we’ve offered a limited number of free BTOP taster sessions to ISUOG members. Nearly 1600 members have tried the free sessions for three months each. 100% of those who have completed a BTOP taster course said they found it relevant and useful, and they would recommend it to a colleague.
If you are an ISUOG member and would like to try BTOP for yourself, the final free taster course, Basic Training: Basics of Gynecological Ultrasound, is available from now until the end of September 2024.
According to BTOP user and clinician Rachel Kerry, “This course answered so many of the questions I had… my only regret is not having done this course sooner!”
Rachel Kerry is just one of the many clinicians using ultrasound scans in her daily clinical practice. Here, in her own words, she shares her experience of the full program. You can also hear her thoughts in her short video below.
“This course answered so many of the questions I had and filled in many of the gaps in my ultrasonography knowledge, and all on such an accessible platform, available on both your laptop and smartphone!
“I really enjoyed the format of the content, which included both videos and diagrams. I did have my reservations before starting the course, regarding learning a predominantly practical skill online. However, as soon as I began the coursework, I quickly realised that the content delivery and the number of examples provided were more than enough for me to gain this knowledge effectively and efficiently.
“I also really enjoyed the fact that I could skip ahead to sections that I wanted to cover first, or those that would benefit me the most in clinical practice, without having to complete each section before gaining access to the next.
“The sections most helpful to my clinical practice were image optimisation, fetal biometry, use of Doppler imaging, and a systematic way in which I could approach each scan.
“I have definitely gained confidence in ultrasonography through doing this course. And one of the big changes is that even when we are time-constrained due to patient load, I still make a conscious effort to optimise my images and work in a systematic fashion when scanning, ensuring the best possible patient care. We run a high-risk antenatal clinic at our hospital, and with the nearest formal scanning approximately 2 hours away, ultrasonography for obstetrics has become an ‘essential’ skill in our setting.
“In my opinion, one of the gaps in my workplace and amongst my colleagues in a small rural hospital is the challenge of doing fetal anomaly scans and Doppler studies. These impact antenatal care significantly. Many women need these specific scans, however, after completing this course, I feel confident in performing these scans and aiding others in learning the skills too.
“Overall, I am extremely impressed with the course (its accessibility, the content and presenters), and my only regret is not having done this course sooner! I would definitely recommend it to anyone working in the realm of obstetrics and gynaecology.”