An empirical model for educational simulation of cervical dilation in first-stage labor

Abstract

BackgroundSeveral models for educational simulation of labor and delivery were published in the literature and incorporated into a commercially available training simulator (CAE Healthcare Lucina). However, the engine of this simulator does not include a model for the clinically relevant indicators: uterine contraction amplitude and frequency, and cervical dilation. In this paper, such a model is presented for the primigravida in normal labor.MethodsThe conceptual and mathematical models represent oxytocin release by the hypothalamus, oxytocin pharmacokinetics, and oxytocin effect on uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and (positive) feedback from cervical dilation to oxytocin release by the hypothalamus.ResultsSimulation results for cervical dilation are presented, together with target data for a normal primigravida. Corresponding oxytocin concentrations and amplitude and frequency of uterine contractions are also presented.ConclusionAn original empirical model for educational simulation of oxytocin concentration, uterine contractions, and cervical dilation in first-stage labor is presented. Simulation results for cervical dilation match target data for a normal patient. The model forms a basis for taking into account more independent variables and patient profiles and can thereby considerably expand the range of training scenarios that can be simulated.

The Effect of Simulation versus Video-based training for Nursing Management of Normal Vaginal Delivery on Students' Practical Achievement and Satisfaction

“…The model formed a basis for taking into account more independent variables and patient profiles and could thereby considerably expand the range of training scenarios that can be simulated." (20) The higher practical achievement scores reported by the simulation group in the present study may be explained by the fact that the students trained by doing ,and applying the procedures by themselves on areal-like patient (simulated ),not just seeing ,and they had the opportunity of repeating the training ,andthe presence of a realistic patient environment compared with the traditional training.…”

Correction to: An empirical model for educational simulation of cervical dilation in first stage labor

“…Continuing work on a recently published empirical model for educational simulation of cervical dilation [ 1 ] resulted in identification of errors in the code implementing this model. Numerical values of three parameters and one state variable had to be updated to obtain the original simulation results with corrected code.…”