Evaluation of multidisciplinary shoulder dystocia simulation training on knowledge, performance, and documentation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Limited data exist on how integrating all team members into simulations impacts communication and documentation.
• A tertiary hospital's obstetrics department implemented a multidisciplinary team-training simulation for shoulder dystocia in 2018.
• The training included an educational component on announcing delivery events and a standardized approach to documentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the lasting impact of a team-based simulation on shoulder dystocia outcomes and documentation.
• To assess improvements in recording shoulder dystocia duration, maneuvers, and team dynamics.
• To test the hypothesis that simulation improves communication, competence, and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study comparing shoulder dystocia cases from 2017 (pre-simulation) and 2019 (post-simulation).
• Analysis of delivery outcomes, documentation of delivery event times, and adherence to ACOG guidelines.
• Pre- and post-simulation knowledge tests and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire were administered.

Main Results:

• Documentation of exact shoulder dystocia duration increased from 25% to 96% (P<.001).
• Use of shoulder dystocia maneuvers significantly increased from 2.7 to 3.4 (P=.030).
• Participants reported increased value of input (nurses, P=.045) and adequate feedback (all disciplines, P=.041).

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary shoulder dystocia simulation led to sustained improvements in documentation and maneuver utilization.
• The simulation enhanced team dynamics, communication, and confidence among healthcare professionals.
• Further research is recommended to explore broader applications in maternal care.