Assessment of long-term knowledge retention following single-day simulation training for uncommon but critical obstetrical events

• Published in: The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine 2012-09, Vol.25 (9), p.1640-1645
• Main Authors: Vadnais, Mary A., Dodge, Laura E., Awtrey, Christopher S., Ricciotti, Hope A., Golen, Toni H., Hacker, Michele R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical Competence - statistics & numerical data; Education, Medical - methods; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Knowledge; Long-term follow up; medical education; obstetric emergencies; Obstetric Labor Complications - epidemiology; Obstetric Labor Complications - therapy; Obstetrics - education; Obstetrics - methods; Patient Simulation; Physicians - statistics & numerical data; Pregnancy; Retention (Psychology) - physiology; simulation; Time Factors
• ISSN: 1476-7058; 1476-4954
• DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2011.648971

Objective: The objectives were to determine (i) whether simulation training results in short-term and long-term improvement in the management of uncommon but critical obstetrical events and (ii) to determine whether there was additional benefit from annual exposure to the workshop. Methods: Physicians completed a pretest to measure knowledge and confidence in the management of eclampsia, shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage and vacuum-assisted vaginal delivery. They then attended a simulation workshop and immediately completed a posttest. Residents completed the same posttests 4 and 12 months later, and attending physicians completed the posttest at 12 months. Physicians participated in the same simulation workshop 1 year later and then completed a final posttest. Scores were compared using paired t-tests. Results: Physicians demonstrated improved knowledge and comfort immediately after simulation. Residents maintained this improvement at 1 year. Attending physicians remained more comfortable managing these scenarios up to 1 year later; however, knowledge retention diminished with time. Repeating the simulation after 1 year brought additional improvement to physicians. Conclusion: Simulation training can result in short-term and contribute to long-term improvement in objective measures of knowledge and comfort level in managing uncommon but critical obstetrical events. Repeat exposure to simulation training after 1 year can yield additional benefits.