Training Frontline Providers in Basic Obstetric Ultrasound to Promote Healthy Pregnancy in Zimbabwe: Trainer and Trainee Experiences from a Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Limited access to quality obstetric ultrasound and trained providers remains a barrier to early pregnancy risk detection in low-resource settings. This qualitative phenomenological study explored trainer and trainee experiences of Zimbabwe’s six-week Basic Obstetric Ultrasound Short Course, delivered through the Fetal Medicine Units at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and examined its perceived relevance to promoting healthy pregnancy. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted between September and October 2023 with eight trainers and eight trainees purposively selected from training records. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using Moustakas’ transcendental phenomenological approach, including horizontalisation, clustering of significant statements, and theme synthesis. Four themes emerged: interactive and hands-on teaching and learning; confidence and skill development through supervised practice; interprofessional learning that reduced hierarchical barriers; and sustainability concerns related to equipment, refresher training, mentorship, and post-training practice. Participants described the course as practical, confidence-building, and relevant to earlier recognition of pregnancy complications, while also emphasising the need for continued supervision and system support. The findings suggest that structured basic obstetric ultrasound training may support healthy pregnancy promotion by strengthening frontline capacity for antenatal risk detection, triage, and referral, although clinical outcome effects require further evaluation.