Mobile obstetric and neonatal simulation based skills training in India

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Care

Background:

• High-income countries widely use interprofessional simulation training for childbirth.
• Low-income, low-resource settings have not widely adopted these essential training programs.
• Developing nations face significant risks of maternal and neonatal mortality during childbirth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the implementation of a structured obstetric and neonatal emergency simulation training program in India.
• To identify clinical challenges faced by birthing staff.
• To determine key learning messages applicable to clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Piloted mobile interprofessional obstetric and neonatal workshops in three diverse Indian locations.
• Involved medical and midwifery staff, alongside students.
• Utilized a pre-post workshop survey design to gather participant feedback on roles, challenges, and learning.

Main Results:

• Conducted eight workshops with 150 participants across metropolitan, rural, and secondary hospital settings.
• Participants identified maintaining maternal and neonatal safety as their primary role.
• Key challenges included lack of medical backup, resources, structured training, and patient compliance.

Conclusions:

• Mobile obstetric and neonatal simulation training workshops proved beneficial for healthcare professionals in India.
• Simulation training enhanced knowledge, procedural skills, and non-technical skills.
• These workshops show potential as a routine training tool for improving childbirth outcomes.