Vaginal delivery simulation in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clerkship

Abstract

Background: Although simulation is now used in other areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, its utility in the training of an uncomplicated vaginal delivery is surprisingly under-explored. Here we describe our experience integrating simulation into the third-year Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB/GYN) clerkship.

Methods: In 2013/14, at the start of each 4-week OB/GYN clerkship, each third-year student participated in a 90-minute vaginal delivery simulation session using the Noelle(®) simulator. Upon completion of the clerkship, they were surveyed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire (1, inferior; 5, superior) to assess self-perceived training adequacy, clinical preparedness and number of deliveries performed during the clerkship. Students who completed the clerkship in 2012/13, before the introduction of the simulation, were also surveyed to serve as a comparison group. Survey scores and number of deliveries performed were compared between the two cohorts of students.

Results: The 2013/14 cohort (n = 98) who received simulation training gave their training in vaginal deliveries an average rating of 4.1, versus 2.7 for the 2012/13 cohort that did not receive the simulation (n = 80; p < 0.001). Self-perceived preparedness to perform a vaginal delivery was 4.0 in the 2013/14 cohort, versus 3.0 in the 2012/13 cohort (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the number of deliveries performed between the cohorts.

Discussion: Students that received simulation rated their training adequacy and readiness to perform a vaginal delivery higher than students that did not receive training. Simulation did not increase participation in real-life deliveries. The utility of simulation in the training of an uncomplicated vaginal delivery is under-explored.