Skill retention at 6 versus 12 months after simulation training in singleton vaginal breech delivery: a randomised controlled study

Man Hin Menelik LEE; Chau Ngan CHAN; Teresa Wei Ling MA

doi:10.12809/hkjgom.19.1.02

Authors

Man Hin Menelik LEE
Chau Ngan CHAN
Teresa Wei Ling MA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12809/hkjgom.19.1.02

Keywords:

Breech presentation, Obstetrics, Simulation training

Abstract

Introduction: Current evidence suggests that annual simulation training is adequate to maintain skills for management of vaginal breech delivery. This study aimed to investigate whether skill levels declined at 6 months and further declined at 12 months after training.
Methods: In this randomised single-blinded study, 12 obstetricians and 42 midwives were assigned at random to attend a 1-hour training session (lecture and simulation on singleton vaginal breech delivery) conducted at month 0 (control group) and at month 6 (intervention group). Their skill score was assessed before training (pre-test), immediately after training (at-test), and 12 months after training (post-test).
Results: Compared with the pre-test score, skill scores increased immediately after the simulation training (at-test) in the intervention group (7.98 vs 15.03, p<0.001) and in the control group (6.86 vs 14.92, p<0.001). Compared with the at-test score, skill scores decreased 6 months after the training (post-test) in the intervention group (15.03 vs 9.57, p<0.001) and 12 months after the training in the control group (14.92 vs 9.74, p<0.001). However, post-test skill scores were better than pre-test skill scores. The two groups were comparable in terms of the decline in skill score from at-test to post-test (-5.49 vs -4.90, p=0.606).

Conclusions: Simulation training results in short-term and long-term improvements in vaginal birth delivery skills. However, skill scores degrade over time and ongoing training at a minimum of 12-month interval is suggested for obstetricians and midwives.

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