Pilot Study of a Software-Supported Protocol for Second-Trimester Ultrasound Screening

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Fetal Ultrasound

Background:

• Routine second-trimester ultrasound is crucial for fetal assessment.
• Standardization of ultrasound protocols can improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of a software-supported protocol for routine second-trimester ultrasound scanning.
• To assess improvements in operator efficiency and consistency of fetal anatomic visualization.

Main Methods:

• A comparative observational study involving 50 routine second-trimester ultrasound examinations.
• Examinations were performed before and after the implementation of a software-supported protocol by the same sonographer.
• Data on examination duration, image acquisition, and recording of specific fetal features were compared.

Main Results:

• The software-supported protocol led to a significant increase in examination duration and stored images.
• Mean time per stored image decreased significantly with the protocol.
• Consistency in recording key fetal anatomic features, including placental location and genitalia, significantly improved.

Conclusions:

• A software-supported protocol for second-trimester ultrasound scanning enhances operator efficiency.
• Standardized image acquisition through software improves the consistency of documenting fetal anatomy.
• This approach shows promise for optimizing routine obstetric ultrasound practices.