[Unannounced simulation of obstetric emergencies: safe for medical staff?]

Management of obstetric emergencies is difficult to learn in real life due to the rarity of emergency events. Simulation-based medical education (SBME) has been shown to be a useful training method. A safe learning environment is a crucial condition for successful, applicable SBME. It is therefore essential to understand how SBME is perceived by healthcare professionals. A study by Sørensen et al. published recently in Postgraduate Medical Journal found that the number of staff members with positive perceptions increased after unannounced in situ simulation of obstetric emergencies. However, the number of staff who viewed the simulation as stressful also increased, especially among midwives. Although this study had some limitations, these results should be taken seriously. Randomised trials are warranted to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals with regard to SBME.