Trainer and Trainee Experiences From a Qualitative Phenomenological Study- Dr C. Verenga

Trainer and Trainee Experiences From a Qualitative Phenomenological Study- Dr C. Verenga

🎙 Fetal Medicine Foundation Zimbabwe 👥 2K 📅 September 24, 2026 ⏱ 11 min 👁 3 🧭 2026-09-24
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

obstetric ultrasoundtrainingqualitative studyphenomenologyZimbabwe

Summary

This presentation from the Fetal Medicine Foundation Zimbabwe’s 2026 Annual Congress discusses a qualitative phenomenological study on training frontline providers in basic obstetric ultrasound. The study aimed to explore the experiences of trainers and trainees during a six-week course. The course includes a 10-hour theory session, followed by six weeks of supervised practice on real patients, ending with an exit assessment covering viability, dating, presentation, placenta, fluid, basic biometry, and care pathways. A transcendental phenomenological approach, based on Husserl’s philosophy, was used, with structured interviews conducted on 8 trainers and 8 trainees until data saturation. Analysis followed Moustakas’ method, with bracketing to ensure objectivity. Four main themes emerged: interactive, practical, and clinically situated learning; confidence and basic skill development; interprofessional learning that reshaped professional perceptions; and concerns about sustainability, including access to equipment, mentorship, and refresher courses. The study highlights the value of interprofessional education and the need for ongoing support. Limitations include the inability to ascribe diagnostic accuracy or retention of competence. Future plans involve scaling the program with robust support systems and evaluating outcomes such as scan quality and maternal health impacts.

184 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The value of this presentation lies in its focus on a real-world, low-resource setting, addressing the shortage of trained providers in obstetric ultrasound. The qualitative approach provides rich insights into the training experience, which can inform similar programs. The argumentation is cohesive: the speaker clearly outlines the study design, methodology, and findings, and appropriately acknowledges limitations. The use of phenomenology to capture the essence of lived experiences adds depth. However, the presentation is brief, and some details, such as specific interview questions or data saturation criteria, are omitted. The speaker does not provide quantitative evidence of training effectiveness, but that is not the aim of this qualitative study. Overall, the argument is solid within its scope.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The study appears methodologically sound, using a recognized qualitative framework (transcendental phenomenology). The description of the course and evaluation is clear. However, no external sources are cited in the video, and the presentation is not peer-reviewed in this form. The title accurately reflects the content, and the presentation is appropriately titled for a congress presentation. The speaker mentions that a paper is available via a QR code, but no direct citation is provided. Given the limited scope, the rigour is acceptable but could benefit from more detailed references.

219 words

Key Moments

Cited Sources

  • Husserl's transcendental phenomenology — Mentioned as the philosophical basis for the study design.
  • Moustakas' phenomenological analysis method — Cited as the analytical framework used in the study.

Contribution & Novelties

This study contributes to knowledge by providing qualitative evidence on the experiences of both trainers and trainees in a low-resource setting, specifically in obstetric ultrasound training. It highlights the importance of interprofessional education and the need for ongoing support systems. The findings suggest that practical, clinically embedded training builds confidence and skills, but sustainability requires robust infrastructure.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • Transcendental phenomenology — Concept of phenomenological philosophy that underpins the study.
  • Task shifting — Policy approach to address workforce shortages by redistributing tasks to less specialized health workers.
  • WHO Manual on Diagnostic Ultrasound (possible reference) — World Health Organization guidelines on training in diagnostic ultrasound, though not directly cited in the video.

114 words

Radar Profile

The radar shows a strong performance in quantity of information and overall reliability, with moderate technicality. The video provides substantial content on a specialized topic, but the lack of external citations slightly reduces confidence.

Reliability 7/10