Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Simulation in Obstetric: From the History to the Modern Applications

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Practical Guide to Simulation in Delivery Room Emergencies

  • 585 Accesses

Abstract

Simulation in obstetrics has evolved from a tool for scholars of the sixteenth century to a useful tool for every level of training. Simulation is becoming an integral part of clinical practice training; in addition to facilitating the acquisition and maintenance of skills, it allows drill training of teams in emergency scenarios. Simulation provides a safe environment to make mistakes and to analyze them without harming patients.

This chapter traces the history of obstetrical simulation, from the first mannequins up until the present day, pointing out the advantages and clinical evidence that paved the way for the use of simulation as we know it.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 219.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 279.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Oxford Learning Dictionaries. n.d.. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/simulation.

  2. Lopreiato JO. Healthcare simulation dictionary. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; 2016. AHRQ Publication No. 16(17)-0043.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Owen H. Early use of simulation in medical education. Simul Healthc. 2012;7(2):102–16. https://doi.org/10.1097/SIH.0b013e3182415a91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Schnorrenberger C. Anatomical roots of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Schweiz Z Ganzheitsmed. 2013;25:110–8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000349905.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Orlandini GE, Paternostro F. Anatomy and anatomists in Tuscany in the 17th century. Ital J Anat Embryol. 2010;115(3):167–74. PMID: 21287970.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Ballestriero R. Anatomical models and wax Venuses: art masterpieces or scientific craft works? J Anat. 2010;216(2):223–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7580.2009.01169.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Marzano D. The history of simulation in obstetrics and gynecology. In: Deering S, Auguste TC, Goffman D, editors. Comprehensive healthcare simulation: obstetrics and gynecology. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2013. p. 4–5.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Buck GH. Development of simulators in medical education. Gesnerus. 1991;48(Pt 1):7–28. PMID: 1855669.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Forster FMC. William Smellie and his contribution to obstetrics. Aust New Zeal J Obstet Gynaecol. 1963;3(3):132–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Boyd G. William Smellie. Ulster Med J. 1958;27(1):29–36.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Owen H. Simulation in obstetrics, gynecology and midwifery. In: Owen H, editor. Simulation in healthcare education: an extensive history. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2016. p. 79–81.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  12. Owen H, Pelosi MA. A historical examination of the Budin-Pinard phantom: what can contemporary obstetrics education learn from simulators of the past? Acad Med. 2013;88(5):652–6. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0b013e31828b0464.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Flexner A. Medical education in the United States and Canada. From the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Bulletin Number Four, 1910. Bull World Health Organ. 2002;80(7):594–602. PMID: 12163926.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Gordon MS, Evy GA, DeLeon AC, Waugh RA, Felner JM, Forker AD, Gessner IH, Mayer JW, Patterson D. “Harvey”, the cardiology patient simulator: pilot studies on teaching effectiveness. Am J Cardiol. 1980;45(4):791–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/0002-9149(80)90123-X.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Helmreich R. Managing human error in aviation. Sci Am. 1997;276(5):62–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Simulations Working Group. n.d.. https://www.acog.org/education-and-events/simulations/about.

  17. Rosen KR. The history of medical simulation. J Crit Care. 2008;23(2):157–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrc.2007.12.004.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Macedonia CR, Gherman RB, Satin AJ. Simulation laboratories for training in obstetrics and gynecology. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;102(2):388–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(03)00483-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Szymanski L, Arnold C, Vaught AJ, LaMantia S, Harris T, Satin AJ. Implementation of a multicenter shoulder dystocia injury prevention program. Semin Perinatol. 2017;41:187–94.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Sabourin JN, Van Thournout R, Jain V, Demianczuk N, Flood C. Confidence in performing normal vaginal delivery in the obstetrics clerkship: a randomized trial of two simulators. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014;36(7):620–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30542-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Andreatta PB, Bullough AS, Marzano D. Simulation and team training. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2010;53(3):532–44. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0b013e3181ec1a48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Everett EN, Forstein DA, Bliss S, Buery-Joyner SD, Craig LB, Graziano SC, Hampton BS, Hopkins L, McKenzie ML, Morgan H, Pradhan A, Page-Ramsey SM, Undergraduate Medical Education Committee, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Crofton MD. To the point: the expanding role of simulation in obstetrics and gynecology medical student education. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220(2):129–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2018.10.029. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30696555.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Smith PP, Choudhury S, Clark TJ. The effectiveness of gynaecological teaching associates in teaching pelvic examination: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Med Educ. 2015;49(12):1197–206. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.12816.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Duffy JMN, Chequer S, Braddy A, Mylan S, Royuela A, Zamora J, Ip J, Hayden S, Showell M, Kinnersley P, Chenoy R, Westwood OM, Khan KS, Cushing A. Educational effectiveness of gynaecological teaching associates: a multi-centre randomised controlled trial. BJOG. 2016;123:1005–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Nitsche JF, Shumard KM, Fino NF, Denney JM, Quinn KH, Bailey JC, Jijon R, Huang C, Kesty K, Whitecar PW, Grandis AS, Brost BC. Effectiveness of labor cervical examination simulation in medical student education. Obstet Gynecol. 2015;126(Suppl 4):13S–20S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000001027.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Holmström SW, Downes K, Mayer JC, Learman LA. Simulation training in an obstetric clerkship: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;118(3):649–54. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31822ad988.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Dayal AK, Fisher N, Magrane D, Goffman D, Bernstein PS, Katz NT. Simulation training improves medical students’ learning experiences when performing real vaginal deliveries. Simul Healthc. 2009;4(3):155–9. https://doi.org/10.1097/SIH.0b013e3181b3e4ab.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Nitsche J, Morris D, Shumard K, Akoma U. Vaginal delivery simulation in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology clerkship. Clin Teach. 2016;13(5):343–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/tct.12458.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. DeStephano CC, Chou B, Patel S, Slattery R, Hueppchen N. A randomized controlled trial of birth simulation for medical students. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2015;213(1):91.e1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2015.03.024.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Deering S, Brown J, Hodor J, Satin AJ. Simulation training and resident performance of singleton vaginal breech delivery. Obstet Gynecol. 2006;107(1):86–9. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000192168.48738.77.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Easter SR, Gardner R, Barrett J, Robinson JN, Carusi D. Simulation to improve trainee knowledge and comfort about twin vaginal birth. Obstet Gynecol. 2016;128(Suppl 1):34S–9S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000001598.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Bligard KH, Lipsey KL, Young OM. Simulation training for operative vaginal delivery among obstetrics and gynecology residents: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol. 2019;134(Suppl 1):16S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000003431.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Deering S, Poggi S, Macedonia C, Gherman R, Satin AJ. Improving resident competency in the management of shoulder dystocia with simulation training. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(6):1224–8. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000126816.98387.1c.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Fisher N, Bernstein PS, Satin A, Pardanani S, Heo H, Merkatz IR, Goffman D. Resident training for eclampsia and magnesium toxicity management: simulation or traditional lecture? Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;203(4):379.e1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2010.06.010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Maslovitz S, Barkai G, Lessing JB, Ziv A, Many A. Recurrent obstetric management mistakes identified by simulation. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;109(6):1295–300. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000265208.16659.c9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Deering S, Rowland J. Obstetric emergency simulation. Semin Perinatol. 2013;37(3):179–88. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semperi.2013.02.010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Vellanki VS, Gillellamudi SB. Teaching surgical skills in obstetrics using a cesarean section simulator - bringing simulation to life. Adv Med Educ Pract. 2010;6(1):85–8. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S14807.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Ellis D, Crofts JF, Hunt LP, Read M, Fox R, James M. Hospital, simulation center, and teamwork training for eclampsia management: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(3):723–31. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181637a82.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Fransen AF, van de Ven J, Merién AE, de Wit-Zuurendonk LD, Houterman S, Mol BW, Oei SG. Effect of obstetric team training on team performance and medical technical skills: a randomised controlled trial. BJOG. 2012;119(11):1387–93. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2012.03436.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Crofts JF, Lenguerrand E, Bentham GL, Tawfik S, Claireaux HA, Odd D, Fox R, Draycott TJ. Prevention of brachial plexus injury-12 years of shoulder dystocia training: an interrupted time-series study. BJOG. 2016;123(1):111–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.13302.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Gossett DR, Gilchrist-Scott D, Wayne DB, Gerber SE. Simulation training for forceps-assisted vaginal delivery and rates of maternal perineal trauma. Obstet Gynecol. 2016;128(3):429–35. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000001533.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Siassakos D, Hasafa Z, Sibanda T, Fox R, Donald F, Winter C, Draycott T. Retrospective cohort study of diagnosis-delivery interval with umbilical cord prolapse: the effect of team training. BJOG. 2009;116(8):1089–96. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2009.02179.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Nelissen E, Ersdal H, Mduma E, Evjen-Olsen B, Twisk J, Broerse J, van Roosmalen J, Stekelenburg J. Clinical performance and patient outcome after simulation-based training in prevention and management of postpartum haemorrhage: an educational intervention study in a low-resource setting. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2017;17(1):301. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1481-7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Dempsey E, Pammi M, Ryan AC, Barrington KJ. Standardised formal resuscitation training programmes for reducing mortality and morbidity in newborn infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD009106. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009106.pub2.

  45. Nielsen PE, Goldman MB, Mann S, Shapiro DE, Marcus RG, Pratt SD, Greenberg P, McNamee P, Salisbury M, Birnbach DJ, Gluck PA, Pearlman MD, King H, Tornberg DN, Sachs BP. Effects of teamwork training on adverse outcomes and process of care in labor and delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;109(1):48–55. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000250900.53126.c2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Ennen CS, Satin AJ. Training and assessment in obstetrics: the role of simulation. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2010;24(6):747–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2010.03.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Attilakos G, Draycott T, Gale A, Siassakos D, Winter C. ROBuST: RCOG operative birth simulation training: course manual. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107445154. 144 p.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  48. Gavin NR, Satin AJ. Simulation training in obstetrics. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2017;60(4):802–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000322.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

    Reuven Achiron & Tal Weissbach

  2. Sakler School of medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Reuven Achiron & Tal Weissbach

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Laura Adamo

Authors
  1. Reuven Achiron
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Laura Adamo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Tal Weissbach
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy

    Gilda Cinnella

  2. Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Riuniti University Hospital, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy

    Renata Beck

  3. Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

    Antonio Malvasi

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Achiron, R., Adamo, L., Weissbach, T. (2023). Simulation in Obstetric: From the History to the Modern Applications. In: Cinnella, G., Beck, R., Malvasi, A. (eds) Practical Guide to Simulation in Delivery Room Emergencies. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10067-3_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10067-3_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-10066-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-10067-3

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation