Authors

Rosa María Plata Quintanilla

Position

Matrona Hospital Universitario “Marqués de Valdecilla”. Cantabria. Presidenta de la Asociación Española de Matronas (AEM).

Contact email: rplataq@gmail.com

Abstract

Introduction: imaging techniques are considered one of the most important advances in Medicine during the past millennium. After the initial development of echography in the 90s, with the introduction of information technology and the incorporation of computers in ultrasound devices, there was a major revolution in echography, and it became an essential aspect in specialties such as Obstetrics and Gynecology; however, the incorporation of midwives to this area has been irregular in the setting of European countries, and in Spain it is at very initial stages and limited, as well as controversial.
Objective: to inform midwives that midwife sonography is a development of their own skills within a legal frame. To explain how the implementation of this activity is conducted in the different Spanish Autonomous Communities. To facilitate reading the French model as an example; understanding that they are years ahead from us, and the accuracy of its performance, will represent the basis for planning the development of this activity in Spain.
Methodology: a review and translation of the decrees by the French Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, regarding the implementation of the French midwife echography, and those relative to its incorporation into the midwife training program, as well as those of other associated entities. A translation and update of the information about echography conducted by midwives, provided by the CNSF, an independent association of French midwives. A search in the national press regarding echography for midwives in Spain. A selection of documents associated, from the files of the Spanish Association of Midwives, and consultation with midwives from different Autonomous Communities.
Conclusions: the basic echography for midwives is within the legal frame in Spain, as well as in the rest of countries in the European Community; and there is no argument regarding the convenience of being conducted by midwives, who must demand training from their respective Health Systems, in order to be able to exercise a right that no-one can contradict. And finally, those responsible for education units should consider immediately the inclusion of specific training on the basic aspects of obstetric echography for EIRs (resident nurses).

Versión en Español

Título:

Matronas ecografistas: una de las profesiones más recientes, practicada por la profesión más antigua del mundo

Bibliography