Real-time tele-training for obstetrical ultrasonography in Congo Brazzaville

The Republic of Congo is facing a shortage of specialists and an unequal distribution of healthcare professionals between urban and rural areas, limiting access to diagnostic ultrasonography. Besides other issues this project aims at establishing the feasibility of remote training by live teleconsultation in obstetrical ultrasonography, as a mechanism to support isolated care by untrained staff. The project includes abdominal ultrasound testing for women during all stages of pregnancy. The first results have shown that the transmission of dynamic images, at a low cost internet connection, offers the possibility of distance training of peripheral health professionals, with the real-time remote support of gynecologists.