title: Evaluation of force applied during deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia using simulation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to objectively evaluate the amount of force applied during deliveries complicated by shoulder dystocia among different providers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Providers who do deliveries at our institution were approached for participation. The simulation exercise used a childbirth mannequin that measures the amount of force the provider applies to the fetal head during delivery. The amount of force applied and information regarding the provider's level of experience, height, weight, and gender was recorded. This study was approved by the hospital institutional review board.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 47 providers participated. The mean force applied during each situation was not associated with the provider's experience, height, weight, or gender.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Provider experience, gender, and body habitus were not associated with the amount of force applied during delivery. We found differences between family medicine and obstetrics/gynecology providers. In addition, a significant number of all providers (19/47, 40%) pulled >100 N.
authors.affiliation: Madigan Army Medical Center, Andersen Simulation Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA. deering95@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Shad H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Deering
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weeks
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Benedetti
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000193:education*; D004420:Dystocia / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007746:Labor Presentation; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D011247:Pregnancy; D012782:Shoulder