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The role of obstetric ultrasound in primary health care at a secondary hospital in South Africa
Author(s)
Brock, Sheila Anne
Date Issued
2000
Type
Thesis
Publisher
Peninsula Technikon
Abstract
Ultrasound has, until recently, been regarded as a sophisticated diagnostic modality, reserved for
tertiary health care. In reality, it is a cost-effective, reliable and safe modality that is highly suited
to primary health care. Secondary level centres provide the only access to ultrasound for many of
the obstetric primary health care patients, as primary health care has limited ultrasound
resources. The increasing monthly statistics, at one secondary centre, bares witness to the need
for ultrasound in primary health care.
At the time of this study ultrasound scans were not routine for every obstetric patient. Experience
indicates that only the patients who clinically suggest a possible risk are referred for ultrasound
to confirm, or rule out problems. However, there are a number of complications, which have
little or no early clinical indications. [Palmer, 1995:285] This means that many of the problems
encountered are often in late gestation and they have a marked bearing on the obstetric
management of the patient.
This was a retrospective study, of approximately 1000 patients attending an ultrasound department at a secondary centre. Most of the obstetric patients that were sent for an ultrasound examination came from the primary health care centres in the region.
tertiary health care. In reality, it is a cost-effective, reliable and safe modality that is highly suited
to primary health care. Secondary level centres provide the only access to ultrasound for many of
the obstetric primary health care patients, as primary health care has limited ultrasound
resources. The increasing monthly statistics, at one secondary centre, bares witness to the need
for ultrasound in primary health care.
At the time of this study ultrasound scans were not routine for every obstetric patient. Experience
indicates that only the patients who clinically suggest a possible risk are referred for ultrasound
to confirm, or rule out problems. However, there are a number of complications, which have
little or no early clinical indications. [Palmer, 1995:285] This means that many of the problems
encountered are often in late gestation and they have a marked bearing on the obstetric
management of the patient.
This was a retrospective study, of approximately 1000 patients attending an ultrasound department at a secondary centre. Most of the obstetric patients that were sent for an ultrasound examination came from the primary health care centres in the region.
Additional information
Thesis (MTech (Radiography))--Peninsula Technikon, Cape Town, 2000
Subjects
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