EP02.22: ISUOG 2022 international trainee survey: evaluation by N‐GEN committee of current and future ultrasound training opportunities

To identify current and future learning needs wanted by an international community of trainees with a specific interest in ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology (OG). An in-depth survey was designed and the ISUOG N-GEN committee performed content validation. The survey was sent to 5800 OG trainees on the ISUOG database. Closed-ended multiple choice, Likert-scale questions and open-ended questions were included. There were four sections: 1. Demographics; 2. Membership access; 3. Member/non-member experience of ultrasound training opportunities; and 4. Future training opportunities. 875 (15.1%). Responses were received. 303 (34.6%) were ISUOG members and 572 (65.4%) non-members. 45% (390/867) had performed USS for >2 years. Most participants were 25-34 years old (51.1%). The geographical location of members was widespread; the largest cohort (24.0%) from South and Central America, and the smallest (2.1%) from Australia. 89.9% reported being satisfied with ISUOG membership. A proportion were unaware of the range of ISUOG activities on offer. Topics of greatest interest were ‘first trimester fetal malformation’ and ‘fetal anomalies’. 98% were interested in ultrasound simulation training and remote real-time supervision. 31.4% have experienced ultrasound simulation training. On subgroup analysis of the non-member cohort, the most cited reason for not being a member was ‘no partnership agreement between host institution and ISUOG’ (54%; 240/447). Comparing members and non-members, a significant difference was noted regarding access to funding (p < 0.01). Ultrasound training opportunities provided by ISUOG are highly valued by participants from low and high-income countries. However, there is scope to expand the range of resources available. There is a desire to access training via simulation and real-time remote supervision. Funding is still a major issue in increasing membership numbers, especially from low-income countries.