Evaluation of a Novel Manikin-Based Amniotomy Simulator

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate satisfaction of a novel manikin-based amniotomy simulator by obstetricians and medical students. Material and Methods: The simulator was designed to simulate pregnant women in the active phase of labor with a 3-cm cervical dilatation, 100% effacement, and intact fetal membrane. The simulator consists of an amniotomy box inserted inside a pelvic training model. The front opening of amniotomy box is covered with 1.5-mm thick rubber sheet with a 3-cm diameter central hole. The upper opening is for loading a simulated amniotic sac which is made from a male condom filled with 50 ml of water. Experienced obstetricians and fifth-year medical students evaluated satisfaction of the simulator on a scale of 0-10. The medical students evaluated their confidence in performing amniotomy (scale 0-10); immediately after the lecture, immediately after the simulator session, and after completion of the rotation. Results: Nineteen obstetricians rated the simulator with overall satisfaction score of 6.9±1.4 (mean±S.D.) from 10 with lowest satisfactory score of 5.9±2.5 for cervical consistency. One hundred and forty-eight fifth-year medical students were trained for amniotomy during the Health and Diseases of Women rotation throughout the academic year 2012. Each student practised with the simulator on average 2.7±1.3 times. The confidence level for performing amniotomy was 5.3±2.2 after the lecture and markedly improved to 7.9±1.3 after practising with the simulator (p<0.001). Medical students reported the helpfulness score of this simulator during their training on average of 8.3±1.4. Conclusion: The simulator can be used for training medical students in amniotomy. Further modifications should be conducted to improve the satisfaction.

Keywords

• amniotomy
• manikin-based simulator
• training model