Practical simulation training for maternity care--where we are and where next

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Maternal and perinatal mortality remain critical global health challenges.
• Simulation training is increasingly utilized for obstetric emergencies.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of this training is essential for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent evidence on the effectiveness of simulation training for maternity care.
• To assess progress in both high- and low-resource settings.
• To propose a strategy for utilizing simulation to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published evaluation studies on simulation training for obstetric emergencies.
• Analysis of evidence shifting from subjective to objective clinical outcome assessments.
• Inclusion of studies from diverse resource settings.

Main Results:

• Growing evidence suggests simulation training improves clinical outcomes, particularly neonatal outcomes.
• Current evidence linking training to clinical improvements primarily focuses on neonatal health.
• Results across studies are not yet fully consistent.

Conclusions:

• Simulation training holds potential as an effective tool for reducing maternal and perinatal mortality.
• Continued evaluation and research are necessary to solidify its impact on maternal outcomes.
• A global vision is needed to ensure widespread, effective implementation of maternity care simulation training.