“Maternal ultrasound is not a silver bullet ... but it sure hits the mark”
In Cambodia, where financial, geographic and cultural barriers limit healthcare access for pregnant women, the introduction of handheld, point-of-care ultrasound in rural health centres is a transformative health strategy.
In 2022, six health centres were selected from two provinces to be a part of an innovative pilot (the first of its kind in Cambodia), representing improved maternal care to a combined population of 69,742.
Improved antenatal care
Point-of-care ultrasound assists midwives in diagnosing conditions and identifying the risk factors relevant to obstetric complexities which is crucial for early intervention and referral.
In addition it:
fosters confidence and autonomy in the midwifery workforce
provides woman-centred continuity of care
affords opportunistic education
extends midwifery practice into facilities lacking 24/7 emergency obstetric care
builds social capital between healthcare practitioners and local populations.
Demonstrated success
The culmination of the 12-month pilot represents a remarkable achievement in advancing antenatal care and improving perinatal health outcomes within the targeted regions.
Between Jan-Dec 2023:
1,988 ultrasound scans, 8,745 antenatal appointments, 1,528 healthy births, 209 referrals
Increase in antenatal appointments (10-30%)
94% adherence to established imaging protocols
Zero maternal deaths - 100% of midwives reported improved patient care
100% of midwives reported that ultrasound had helped to improve their practice and confidence as a midwife
*(Source: Point-of-care maternal ultrasound in rural Cambodia; enhancing care, saving lives - The 2h Project)
* Special thanks to ABC Australia
“The bright intelligence and the even brighter smiles of the Cambodian midwives are what makes this program so rewarding. Together, we hope that rural mothers have a safer journey in childbirth, as they rightfully should.”
Throughout the pilot, the Cambodian midwives from the six health centres underwent a profound evolution, transitioning from unfamiliarity to competency in the utilisation of handheld point-of-care ultrasound for antenatal care provision, specifically in the early detection of obstetric complexities.
Prior to the commencement of the project, these midwives had no prior knowledge, understanding or experience in utilising ultrasound technology for antenatal care. Through comprehensive training and hands-on mentorship, they not only acquired a new life-saving skill but have seamlessly integrated it into their daily practice.
““I’m acutely aware that maternal care has so many contingent components, that to see this change, is almost an impossible expectation ... but there is change!””