Action competence in obstetric emergencies-can this be achieved via e-learning? Interprofessional blended learning module on diagnostics and emergency treatment of shoulder dystocia

Abstract

Background: Due to the rarity of shoulder dystocia, an obstetric emergency, it is difficult even for experts to develop the appropriate routine in this emergency. Regular further training is therefore recommended for obstetricians and midwives. Evidence is lacking on the extent to which e-learning as a teaching method can be successfully used to acquire these skills and put them into practice. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how the learning objectives for shoulder dystocia, listed in the National Competence Based Learning Objectives Catalog for Medicine (NKLM, Germany) can be successfully taught in medical studies using a blended learning concept (e-learning and practical application on a birth simulator).

Methods: After completing an e-learning course, final year medical students and midwife trainees demonstrated their action competence for shoulder dystocia procedure on a birth simulator. This transfer of the theoretical knowledge to the case study was assessed using an evaluation form oriented to the recommendations for action.

Results: One hundred sixty medical students and 14 midwifery trainees participated in the study from April to July 2019. Overall, 95.9% of the study participants met the required standards, i.e. achieved very good to adequate performance (Ø good) in simulation training.

Conclusions: E-learning with annotated high-quality learning videos is an excellent way to transfer theoretical knowledge about shoulder dystocia procedures into medical practice on a birth simulator. The learning objectives required by the NKLM for shoulder dystocia can be successfully conveyed to students via the applied blended learning concept.

Keywords: Medical studies; Obstetrics; Shoulder dystocia; e-learning.

Fig. 1

“Blended learning in obstetrics” near here. Caption: Structure of the blended learning concept for teaching the treatment of shoulder dystocia

Fig. 2

“Procedure for Shoulder Dystocia” near here. Caption: This procedure for shoulder dystocia was provided to the study participants in e-learning [7, 34]

Fig. 3

“Evaluation form” near here. Caption: Evaluation form for assessing study participants' performance in simulation training (based on recommended actions [32])

Fig. 4

“Score of study participants in simulation training” near here. Caption: Total score achieved by study participants in simulation training (Max: 45 points, Min: 0 points, Passing limit: 28 points)

Fig. 5

“Meeting the requirements of NKLM” near here. Caption: Evaluation of performance of the study participants according to the learning objectives required by the NKLM for shoulder dystocia [10]

Fig. 6

“Supporting of e-learning as a learning method” near here. Caption: Study participants' assessment of the extent to which shoulder dystocia should be incorporated into the obstetrics curriculum via e-learning