Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of obstetrics simulator
training for medical students by comparing measures of confidence in normal obstetrics
skills of students with and without training.
Study design
After a lecture on normal labor and delivery, 33 third-year students practiced their
skills either on an obstetrics simulator (n = 17) or received no further formal instruction
(n = 16). All students were asked to respond to surveys of their experience and confidence
in performing obstetrics procedures.
Results
Students who practiced deliveries on the simulator were more likely to believe that
they could perform most portions of a vaginal delivery with minimal supervision or
independently than were students who did not receive simulator experience. Fifteen
students (88%) who received simulator experience felt that they were ready to attempt
a vaginal delivery independently or with minimal supervision compared with 2 students
(12.5%) who received a lecture only (P < .001).
Conclusion
Students who practiced deliveries on an obstetrics simulator report higher levels
of confidence in their skills to perform vaginal deliveries.
Key words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 16, 2006
Accepted:
May 4,
2006
Received in revised form:
March 30,
2006
Received:
February 21,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
