Obstetric Simulation Training to Breech Delivery, Shoulder Dystocia, Forceps, and Vacuum Experience

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to create a simulation model in shoulder dystocia, breech delivery, and vacuum forceps applications, and to show the effect of education on the knowledge-skill level of the individuals involved. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort research was conducted among assistant doctors and midwives. The course was held in the simulation center by creating 4 different scenarios. The steps of each maneuver were determined separately. Performance was evaluated on a five-point Likert-type scale between 1-5 points before and after training. A higher score was considered higher proficiency in the subject. RESULTS: Of the participants in the study, 51.4% (n=19) of 37 were doctors. The post-training scores obtained from each step of the shoulder dystocia maneuvers, breech birth maneuver, forceps application, and vacuum application were statistically significantly higher than the pre-training scores (p<0.001). The change in the post-training skill scores of the physicians was significantly higher than that of the midwives (p<0.001). Post-training, 67.9% of the participants thought that the simulation training was a great help in transforming their theoretical knowledge into practice. CONCLUSION: Breech delivery, shoulder dystocia, forceps, and vacuum applications are difficult subjects to education in obstetrics. In these pieces of training, simulation should be used as a training method in obstetric education and integrated into the curriculum. We believe that giving and disseminating an effective and accessible simulation protocol to healthcare professionals can reduce birth complications.

Prominent themes in shoulder dystocia research: A bibliometric and document-based analysis

“…Scientific studies on SD address many different sub-themes in this field. In particular, the impact of simulation education was emphasized in studies such as Kaijomaa et al [ 55 ] and Horasanli et al [ 56 ] Furthermore, Stieglitz et al [ 57 ] discussed how to improve the ability to act in obstetric emergencies through e-learning. On the topic of risk factors and incidence analysis, Youssefzadeh et al [ 12 ] and Mollberg et al [ 58 ] have provided an in-depth review of incidence trends and risk factors of SD.…”

“…The theme “Training, Education, Simulation, Skill Development, and Retention” and the literature on training and simulation overlap in the sub-topics of this theme. The studies presented by Kaijomaa et al, [ 55 ] Horasanli et al, [ 56 ] and Stieglitz et al [ 57 ] emphasize the critical role of simulation training in SD management.…”