title: Optimization of competency in obstetrical emergencies: a role for simulation training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In obstetrical emergency situations, optimal management requires the immediate coordinated actions of a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional team. This study investigated the influence of simulation training on four specific skills: self-confidence, handling of emergency situation, knowledge of algorithms and team communication.
  
  
  METHODS
  Clinical algorithms were first presented to the participants. Training for six emergency situations (shoulder dystocia, postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, maternal basic life support, neonatal resuscitation and operative vaginal birth) was performed using high- and low-fidelity simulation mannequins. General impression of the simulation training and the four above-mentioned skills were evaluated anonymously through a self-assessment questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale immediately after the training and 3 months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From November 2010 to March 2012, 168 participants, distributed over six one-day courses, took part in the training. 156 participants returned the questionnaire directly after the course (92.9 %). The questionnaire return rate after 3 months was 36.3 %. The participants gave higher Likert scale answers for the questions on the four specific skills after 3 months compared to immediately after the course. The improvement was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) except for the question regarding team communication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Implementation of simulation training strengthens the professional competency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Cécile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Monod
authors.forename: Cora A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Voekt
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gisin
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gisin
authors.forename: Irene M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Hoesli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004420:Dystocia / Q000628:therapy; D004630:Emergencies; D005113:Extraction, Obstetrical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care; D008348:Manikins; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D012151:Resuscitation; D012785:Shoulder Joint; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland