Digital engagement, feasibility, and acceptability of a virtual mentorship programme for midwives following antenatal ultrasound training

Aim The Siyakubona project sought to strengthen health system capacity by upskilling 541 midwives across six South African provinces in limited antenatal ultrasound and providing ongoing virtual mentorship to support skill retention and application in primary health care settings. This study evaluates the mentorship model’s feasibility, acceptability, and digital engagement. Method Trained midwives received structured technical and clinical support through synchronous virtual mentorship sessions on a Project ECHO-based platform. Sessions included expert-led didactic presentations by advanced midwives and specialist clinicians, alongside anonymised case presentations by participating midwives. The interactive format facilitated multidisciplinary discussion on clinical decision-making and ultrasound image quality, fostering peer-to-peer learning and strengthening diagnostic and clinical management competencies. Sessions were recorded for asynchronous learning. Attendees completed a survey on platform accessibility, ease of use, and acceptability. Results Over 12 months, 27 virtual sessions were conducted. Of 541 trained midwives, 172 (31.8%) registered and attended at least one session, averaging three sessions per participant. In total, 90 (52.3%) completed the survey. Most reported daily internet access (67.8%) and high digital literacy, with over 92% routinely using email and video-conferencing tools. Platform registration was perceived as easy by 55.6% of respondents, and 49.3% of the 73 participants who accessed the learning materials found access easy. Daily internet access was associated with significantly easier platform registration (p = 0.021). Most respondents (91.1%) would recommend the mentoring platform to colleagues. Suggested improvements included: timing and frequency of meetings, and discussion focus. Conclusion A structured virtual mentorship programme following limited antenatal ultrasound training proved feasible and acceptable for supporting midwives’ ongoing learning in primary health care. Adequate internet access and digital literacy enabled strong engagement and satisfaction, showing potential to sustain skills, support remote learning, and strengthen broader health system capacity.