Using Web-based simulation learning to deal with shoulder dystocia

Simulation-based learning can provide education and training to individuals in a variety of industries. The military, aviation and nuclear power industries have seen demonstrable improvement in critical event handling through the use of this type of learning when coupled with crew resource management techniques. Simulation training is also emerging in the healthcare field as an effective patient safety and risk management tool. In the area of obstetrics, healthcare risk managers can have an impact on injury and claim reduction rates related to shoulder dystocia by advocating for and implementing simulation training for obstetrical providers. This article will describe a shoulder dystocia simulation training program that uses a high-fidelity mannequin, and illustrate the impact that the healthcare risk manager can have in reducing injuries due to shoulder dystocia.