Guidelines for minimal report in gynaecologic sonography: Are they useful for emergency department resident physicians?

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Collège National des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens Français (CNGOF) guidelines on the minimal sonographic reports generated by emergency department resident physicians.

This prospective observational study was conducted in the gynaecologic emergency unit of a teaching hospital from November 2016 to May 2017. We analysed sonographic reports generated by residents during gynaecological emergencies before and after training on the minimal report standards. An analysis of the evaluated items was carried out. We also compared residents according to their specialities and seniority.

A total of 240 reports were analysed, 120 before and 120 after the training. Half of the reports concerned women with an early pregnancy while the others concerned women with negative hCG. All residents significantly improved their practice after the training, as shown by the increase in ratings of the evaluated items (38 % before training vs 44.8 % after, p < 0.01). General practitioners had greater improvement (48.1 % of evaluated items), whereas older residents reported fewer items before or after the training (43.5 %) than younger residents. Finally, all residents improved their practice with a conclusion that followed the guidelines in 92.5 % of cases (versus 68.3 % before the training; p < 0.01).

Training on the CNGOF minimal sonographic report guidelines significantly improved the emergency sonographic reports generated by residents. Wider dissemination of this training, particularly to young residents, would probably improve the quality of sonographic reports performed at gynaecological emergencies.