Summary
This journal article addresses the increasing availability of ultrasound technology in resource-limited settings, particularly in developing countries. The study’s primary objective was to assess the perceived barriers to ultrasound usage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by surveying healthcare providers working in these settings.
The study involved 138 respondents from 44 LMICs in Africa, South America, and Asia, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and clinical officers. These healthcare providers used ultrasound for a variety of applications, including obstetrics, DVT evaluation, abscess evaluation, cardiac evaluation, IVC assessment, FAST exam, biliary tree assessment, and others.
The respondents identified several key barriers to ultrasound usage, including a lack of training, insufficient equipment, machine malfunctions, and limited maintenance capabilities. The study found that 74% of the respondents desired additional ultrasound training, and 82% were open to receiving training through distance learning or telesonography. They utilized communication tools such as Skype, Dropbox, emailed photos, and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) for image sharing and feedback.
In conclusion, healthcare providers in resource-limited settings, particularly LMICs, face ultrasound challenges due to barriers such as inadequate training and equipment. The study suggests that future research should explore effective training methods, including telesonography and distance learning, to enhance ultrasound utilization in low-resource settings.
