An in-situ interprofessional simulation program to improve teamwork and obstetric crisis management skills

Maneuvering Through a Birth Complicated by Shoulder Dystocia

“…Training through simulation and drills helps prepare health care providers for appropriate decision making and effective intervention when faced with this emergency. 2,[4][5][6]10,[24][25][26] Shoulder dystocia management has evolved over time, with some maneuvers falling into and out of common clinical practice. For example, the recently introduced posterior axilla sling traction and shoulder shrug maneuvers are markedly similar to advice given in 1897.…”

“…2,4,5,10,30 Integration of simulation drills in situ has been shown to be particularly helpful because it can help to optimize team communications and reveal institutional deficiencies, such as the absence of a step stool or a clock with a second hand in the birth room. 25,26,29 It is difficult to evaluate fully the effectiveness of different styles of simulation training because evidence comparing the various training programs is limited. This dif-ficulty is further compounded by the varying incidence of shoulder dystocia in different settings and populations.…”

“…In situ simulation may be considered prohibitively expensive by some institutions. 26 Thus, each institution will need to select whatever method of simulation and drill works best in its setting.…”

“…Far more significant to the risk of injury is the duration of the shoulder dystocia, a recognized surrogate for severity. Training through simulation and drills helps prepare health care providers for appropriate decision making and effective intervention when faced with this emergency …”

“…Simulations have been shown to decrease providers’ use of harmful maneuvers and improve neonatal outcomes . Integration of simulation drills in situ has been shown to be particularly helpful because it can help to optimize team communications and reveal institutional deficiencies, such as the absence of a step stool or a clock with a second hand in the birth room …”