Utility of a Cesarean Delivery Surgical Skills Simulation Session for Family Medicine Residents Pursuing Surgical Obstetrics Training

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Family medicine residents pursuing surgical obstetrics training face the challenge of limited opportunities for intraoperative experience during their formal training. The utility of both low and high fidelity surgical simulation models have been demonstrated to increase technical skill development. Obstetrical emergencies have been taught to family medicine utilizing simulation, but have not included cesarean delivery. METHODS: Family medicine residents enrolled in the surgical obstetrics tract underwent a cesarean delivery surgical simulation session. Surgical performance evaluations were obtained from live surgeries performed immediately before and after the simulation session utilizing a previously validated global rating score. De-identified surgical evaluations were used for statistical analysis. Unpaired T test was performed to assess for statistical difference in pre-session and post session scores. RESULTS: Seven residents participated in the simulation session. Fourteen surgical evaluations were completed before the session; 9 evaluations were completed after the session. Global rating scores increased from 21.5 (±0.66) to 28.2 (±0.84), reaching statistical significance (P=.008). All subcomponent scores increased, with tissue respect, time and motion, instrument handling, flow, assistance usage, and procedural knowledge reaching statistical significance. DISCUSSION: A single simulation session utilizing a low fidelity model did show statistical improvement in global surgical skill ratings and its subcomponents.