Simulation in Shoulder Dystocia Management

Shoulder dystocia is defined as failure to deliver the shoulders after the delivery of the fetal head. This condition may occur as a result of a mismatch between the fetal shoulder size and the pelvic inlet, and may develop as an anterior or posterior shoulder attachment, or it may be seen in both shoulders. This condition is an unpredictable and unavoidable obstetric emergency, occurring in 0.6% to 1.4% of births. Shoulder dystocia usually includes risk factors such as maternal obesity, fetal macrosomia, maternal diabetes, prolonged labor, advanced age, use of epidural anesthesia, and a history of dystocia in previous births. Transient brachial plexus injury (BPI) is the most common fetal complication due to shoulder dystocia. Other fetal complications include clavicle and humerus injuries, permanent BPI, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and death. Maternal complications can lead to vaginal and cervical lacerations, postpartum hemorrhage, II.-III.-IV. degree perineal tears, and even late-term fistulas. Therefore, it is vital to know the risk factors in advance and to ensure the order of maneuvers to be performed and the correct application skills for difficult births that occur. Simulation education has been used in the health field for many years. Simulators help with rapid critical thinking and management of situations that cause confusion. In skill-based midwifery education, simulation-based learning focuses on many risky situations such as postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder impingement, and emergency breech delivery. The use of computer-based simulators allows students to practice and develop their skills in an environment that is almost like a hospital before going to hospital practice. Computer-based simulators are quite educational for students because they provide opportunities for realistic errors and realistic error attempts. Simulators are also known to increase learning satisfaction, improve communication skills and increase self-efficacy. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of the computer-based simulation training model on the knowledge level, management skills and anxiety levels of midwifery students about shoulder dystocia.