Assessment of the variability in first-trimester ultrasound scan reports among lagos island sonographers in correlation with world health organization (WHO) recommendations.

Background: Accurate diagnosis and reporting are paramount for optimising pregnancy treatment and achieving favourable management outcomes. Misdiagnosis and erroneous reports can have critical and detrimental consequences for patient safety. This study examines the first-trimester ultrasound scan reports generated by practising ultrasound practitioners on Lagos Island and evaluates their adherence to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Aim: This research aims to investigate the variability in first-trimester ultrasound scan reporting among practising ultrasound practitioners on Lagos Island, with a particular emphasis on correlating these practices with WHO recommendations. The study seeks to identify factors contributing to inconsistencies in reporting and their potential implications for prenatal care. Methodology: A longitudinal, descriptive study design was employed, involving a sample of 200 sonographers from both private and community health institutions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires aligned with WHO-recommended parameters. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with results presented as frequencies, percentages and means. Results: The findings revealed that 72.5% of respondents reported noticeable discrepancies among professionals regarding ultrasound reporting practices, with 66% attributing these inconsistencies to the lack of unified guidelines. Other significant factors included variability in training and experience (58.5%) and differences in equipment (52.5%). Radiographers demonstrated the highest compliance with WHO parameters, achieving 95.1% for gestational age estimation, while their knowledge of fetal movement showed 87.8%, with the lowest compliance level at 46.5%. Conclusion: Variability in first-trimester ultrasound reporting is influenced by factors such as training, experience, and institutional practices. The study underscores the necessity for standardised reporting procedures, ongoing professional development, and regular equipment calibration to enhance the reliability of diagnostic outcomes and improve maternal-fetal health. Implications for Policy and Practice: Informing policy decisions related to sonographer training, regulatory enforcement, and healthcare service delivery. Enhancing maternal health policies and promoting standardised first-trimester ultrasound reporting. Improving the quality, accuracy, and standardisation of prenatal ultrasound services, and reducing avoidable healthcare costs associated with inconsistent ultrasound reporting. Promoting the adoption of digital health solutions for real-time quality checks and validation of ultrasound data.