Usefulness of low-cost simulation models to learning surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum: An
Albaro José Nieto-Calvache1, José Miguel Palacios-Jaraquemada2, Karin A Fox3
1Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia.
Objective:
To evaluate the utility of low-cost simulation models to teach surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), included in a multimodal education workshop for PAS.
Methods:
This was an observational, survey-based study. Participants were surveyed before and after the use of low-fidelity mannequins to simulate two surgical techniques for PAS (one-step conservative surgery [OSCS] and modified subtotal hysterectomy [MSTH]), within a multimodal educational workshop. The workshops included pre-course preparation, didactics, simulated practice of the techniques using low-cost models, and viewing live surgery.
Results:
Six OSCS/MSTH training workshops occurred across six countries and a total of 270 participants were surveyed. The responses of 127 certified obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) were analyzed. Participants expressed favorable impressions of all components of the simulated session. Perceived anatomical simulator fidelity, scenario realism, educational component effectiveness, and self-assessed performance improvement received ratings of 4-5 (positive end of the Likert scale) from over 90% of respondents. When asked about simulation's role in technique comprehension, comfort level in technique performance, and likelihood of recommending this workshop to others, more than 75% of participants rated these aspects with a score of 4-5 (positively) on the five-point scale.
Conclusion:
Low-cost simulation, within a multimodal education strategy, is a well-accepted intervention for teaching surgical techniques for PAS.
