[Skills assessment for the practice of fetal ultrasound biometry: prospective validation of the OSAUS METHOD score].

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a customized variant for fetal biometry of the generic OSAUS score (Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills).

METHODS: The 5-points OSAUS METHOD grid was elaborated by defining five target skills specific to fetal biometry for each thematic item of the generic score. The level of skills of 43 trainees was prospectively assessed during an ultrasound examination by using this grid. The results of the "novice" level group (experience < 10 ultrasounds) were compared to those of the "intermediate" level group (experience ≥ 10 ultrasounds) (I). The reached/non-reached skills ratio within the different items composing the score allowed the identification of priority areas of improvement (II). Previously published distribution and actual distribution of ratings according to the generic pass/fail score were compared (III).

RESULTS: Median scores of "novices" (n=29) and "intermediates" (n=14) groups were statistically different, 1.87 (±0.75) and 3.31 (±0.83) (p=1.85-5), respectively and corresponded to the pre-existing experience (I). A lower ratio of reached skill allowed the identification of "documentation of the examination" item as a priority area of improvement for both groups (II). The relevance of the pass/fail score is consolidated, even if an overlap was observed between novices and intermediates groups (III).

CONCLUSIONS: The relevancy and feasibility of using OSAUS scoring method for fetal biometry are supported. In addition, the possibility of comparisons with generic OSAUS remains.