Enablers and barriers to the use of portable ultrasound devices for antenatal care in rural health centers in the Philippines.

Abstract

Objectives: This qualitative study aims to examine the enablers and barriers to portable ultrasound device utilization for antenatal care in rural Philippine health centers, with the goal of improving maternal outcomes and reducing maternal mortality.

Methods: We conducted focus group discussions with 18 healthcare workers (midwives, a nurse, and a radiologic technician) and 20 pregnant women across 5 rural health centers. We used inductive thematic analysis to identify system-related, provider-related, and client-related enablers and barriers.

Results: Enablers included free ultrasound services, hospital policies requiring prenatal scans, provider training, awareness creation, patient interest and acceptance, and confidence in HCWs' capabilities. Barriers comprised resource limitations, distance to facilities, insufficient HCW skills, time constraints, emotional fears, traditional beliefs, misconceptions, and lack of trust in providers' competence.

Conclusion: Addressing resource gaps, ongoing provider training, and patient education may enhance portable ultrasound device uptake and significantly improve maternal health outcomes in low-resource settings.