Optimizing Perimortem Cesarean Section Outcomes Using Simulation: A Technical Report

Abstract

Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is an educational technique that enables participants to experience an immersive representation of a clinical event for the purpose of practice, learning, and evaluation. This experience is intended to improve trainees' competency and confidence in both procedural tasks, as well as team-based and interpersonal skills when responding to real-world clinical encounters. Moreover, SBME improves procedural exposure and competency in low-frequency, high-stakes clinical procedures without the risk of adverse consequences, error, or patient harm-a priority for physician training at all levels. This technical report describes a novel bi-phasic maternal cardiac arrest simulation that can be used to teach and train postgraduate year one (PGY1) emergency medicine and obstetrics and gynecology trainees in the use of perimortem cesarean sections (PMCS) prior to in-situ exposure. Using a high-fidelity simulation protocol employing training manikins and 3-D printed models of gravid uteri, this bi-phasic simulation, completed over two sessions, six months apart, will equip trainees with the knowledge, skills, and professionalism behaviors necessary for difficult clinical decisions and time-critical procedures.