Background: In 1983 ultrasound for obstetric purposes was introduced in a rural general practice in south-eastern Norway. We wanted to evaluate its systematic use in terms of pregnancy management and birth outcome.
Material and methods: Four sets of data were analysed: All obstetric ultrasound examinations done at the Sel Municipality Health Centre from 1 January 1998 to 28 February 1999; the database at the county hospital covering all obstetric patients and births in its catchment area, including those from the Sel community; all Medical Birth Registry reports on women from Sel from 1983 to 2000; a local register of pregnancy management and events in Sel from 1983 to 2000, organised by the local general practitioner.
Results: We found no difference in the accuracy of assessment of date of birth between the general practitioner in Sel and the Lillehammer outpatient obstetric department. The average number of ultrasound scans of individual women was also the same. Obstetric ultrasound in general practice successfully selected out patients who could be managed locally and those who needed referral.
Interpretation: Our results indicate true benefits and no definite hazards of obstetric ultrasound in rural general practice. As we have evaluated only one single practice, these results should be confirmed or negated in future studies.