Can pocket-sized ultrasound devices be used safely and acceptably in routine pregnancy care?
Doctors at Liverpool Women's Hospital are testing whether small, hand-held ultrasound devices can be safely and comfortably used in routine pregnancy care. Standard ultrasound machines are large and require specialist staff, but these new pocket-sized devices are smaller and easier to use. This study will help them understand if these new devices are reliable enough and if pregnant people are happy to have scans with them. Participants will have an extra scan with the hand-held device and fill in a short survey. The information gathered will help improve pregnancy care in the future, providing a picture of the baby if possible. This study focuses on pregnant people with conditions like diabetes, suspected small babies, or reduced baby movements.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Ultrasound scans are a really important part of looking after pregnant people and their babies. They help doctors check how the baby is growing and make sure everything is healthy. The usual ultrasound machines are quite big and costly, and you need special training to use them.
Now, there are newer, smaller ultrasound devices – imagine something that fits in your hand! These are cheaper and might be easier for more healthcare staff to use. However, we don't yet know if they work as well as the bigger machines, or if pregnant people would be comfortable having their scans with them. This study aims to find out if it's practical to use these hand-held devices and if people are happy with this new way of having a scan.
The main goal of this study is to see if we can run a bigger study on these devices in the future. Your involvement in this initial stage could help shape how pregnancy care is delivered in the UK, potentially making scans more accessible and convenient for everyone in the long run.
Key takeaways
- A new study is exploring small, hand-held ultrasound devices in pregnancy.
- It aims to see if they are easy to use and if pregnant people like them.
- The study is happening at Liverpool Women's Hospital.
- You might be eligible if you're over 18 and receiving care for certain pregnancy conditions.
- Participants will have an extra scan and complete a short survey.
- Your involvement could help improve future pregnancy care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for pregnant people aged 18 or over who are already receiving care at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. This includes those being monitored for conditions like diabetes during pregnancy, or if there's a concern the baby might be small. You can also join if you are planning a caesarean birth or have noticed fewer baby movements than usual.
More recently, the study has also opened up to include healthcare professionals working in maternity care in the UK. This means doctors, nurses, and other staff who are currently working or have worked in maternity in the last five years can also take part.
However, you cannot join if you are unable to understand and agree to take part, or if you need an urgent delivery due to a scan showing a problem with the baby's heart rate, or if you are already in early labour. Healthcare staff who retired more than five years ago are also not included.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you pregnant and 18 years or older?
- Do you attend Liverpool Women's Hospital for your care?
- Are you being monitored for diabetes, a small baby, planning a caesarean, or have reduced baby movements?
- Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
- Are you a UK healthcare professional in maternity care (or worked in it in the last 5 years)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will have an extra ultrasound scan using the small, hand-held device. This will happen during one of your regular appointments at Liverpool Women's Hospital, either alongside your planned standard scan or before a planned caesarean birth. After this extra scan, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire. This survey will ask about your experience with the hand-held device. The total duration of your involvement will be just this one appointment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyLiverpool, England
Common questions
What is the purpose of this study?
This study aims to find out if small, hand-held ultrasound devices can be used safely and acceptably in routine pregnancy care, and if people are happy to have scans with them.
Where is the study taking place?
The study is being run at Liverpool Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, supported by the University of Liverpool.
Will I get to see my baby?
Yes, if your baby's position allows, you will be offered a scan picture from the study scan.
Is it safe to have an extra scan?
Yes, ultrasound scans are considered safe during pregnancy, and there are no known risks from having this additional scan.
Who is paying for this study?
Liverpool Women’s Hospital is supporting the study by covering the salary of the main doctor. No other external funding has been received.
How to find out more
Kelsey Lennox
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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