Simulation training in obstetrics and gynaecology

Abstract

Introduction Traditional clinical teaching in real-life settings has evolved towards specific skill-targeted and scenario-based simulation training in the past two decades. Because of rapid advancements in medical technology and surgical procedures, practising newly acquired skills on real patients becomes increasingly unacceptable owing to ethical and medicolegal concerns. Restrictions on doctors’ working hours to minimise physician fatigue and enhance patient safety have adversely affected clinical experience and exposure. Trainees may not have the opportunity to encounter some rare but serious clinical conditions throughout their entire training programme. Nonetheless, they are expected to be competent once they achieve specialist status. Simulation training is a solution to these issues. It can take various forms: from skill-based training using part-task trainers and computerised virtual reality simulators on technical skills, to scenario-based team training on non-technical yet essential skills including communication and teamwork. Task-oriented exercise can be incorporated into clinical scenarios for more comprehensive team training in specified situations.