Simulation Training in an Obstetric Clerkship

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of simulation training on the confidence of medical students to perform a vaginal delivery. METHODS: Medical students on 12 consecutive rotations were recruited and randomly assigned to a traditional lecture on performing a vaginal delivery or a lecture plus hands-on vaginal delivery simulation. Participants completed confidence assessment questionnaires at baseline and 4 weeks after training. End-of-rotation examination scores were also compared. RESULTS: One-hundred thirteen students participated (94.9% of those eligible). Students receiving simulation training were significantly more confident in their ability to perform a vaginal delivery immediately after assessment than students who did not receive the simulation training (P<.01); however, these differences narrowed over time. Compared with lecture-only students, simulation students scored significantly higher on their oral (P=.004) and written examinations (P=.009) 4 weeks after the intervention. CONCLUSION: A single obstetric simulation is more effective than lecture only for increasing students' end-of-rotation oral and written examination scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.