Simulation of childbirth improves clinical management capacity and self-confidence in medical students

Abstract

Background The learning process of physiological mechanisms of childbirth and its management are important elements in the education of medical students. In this study, we verify how the use of a high-fidelity simulator of childbirth improves competence of students in this regard. Methods A total of 132 medical students were recruited for the study in order to attend a physiological childbirth in a no-hospital environment after being assigned to two groups. The control group received only a normal cycle of lectures, while the simulation (SIM) group followed a specific training session on the simulator. Subsequently, both groups were assessed for their technical and non-technical skills in a simulated childbirth. Also, a self-assessment test regarding their self-confidence was administrated before and after simulation, and repeated after 8 weeks. Results The SIM group showed better performance in all the domains with a better comprehension of the mechanisms of childbirth, managing and assistance of labour and delivery. In addition, compared to the control group, they presented a better self-related awareness and self-assurance regarding the possibility of facing a birth by themselves. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that the use of a high-fidelity simulator for medical students allows a significant improvement in the acquisition of theoretical and technical expertise to assist a physiological birth.

Application of medical simulation in the education of medical students in the area of gynecology and obstetrics

“…Medical simulation, especially low-fidelity, allows learning how to perform medical procedures in comfortable conditions and without a risk for patients. Mannell et al [26] found that the use of high-fidelity simulation significantly increased the absorption of knowledge and practical skills related to receiving physiological delivery among medical students. Other authors specify that already two or three 45-minutes sessions during which each student had the opportunity to receive delivery twice in a session was adequate to obtain minimum competence 6 months after the training.…”

Five actions for five people: emergency cesarean section protocol

“…Hi-delity simulation has been demonstrated to meliorate competencies (Issenberg et al, 2005), de ne professional competence (Epstein and Hundert, 2002), improve patient outcomes (Cook et al, 2011), and develop and enhance teamwork (Baker et al, 2006) (Shapiro et al, 2004). Epecially in obstetrics, simulation is increasingly used for training of adverse and low-frequent events, such as shoulder dystocia (Mannella et al, 2016) or vacuum application (Mannella et al, 2021) or for didactic purposes (Mannella et al, 2018).…”

The use of a novel sensorized simulation platform for real‐time labor progression assessment

“…As in many University hospitals, authors have, over time, adopted simulation in obstetrics for standard training of medical students, 14 midwives, and obstetrical/gynecologic residents 15 . This is an added value for understanding the mechanical aspects of birth and for acquiring technical skills to diagnose and manage labor.…”