The impact of clinical simulation in enhancing obstetric practitioners' professional development for the effective management of shoulder dystocia in maternity units in Morocco

Abstract

Clinical simulation is a key tool for healthcare professional development, providing immersive scenarios that bridge theory and practice, enhance decision-making, and build confidence. By simulating critical events like obstetric emergencies, it better prepares practitioners for real-life challenges. Continuous training and support improve care quality, strengthening the healthcare sector. Given the frequency of shoulder dystocia, obstetric practitioners must be proficient in maneuvers such as the McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, and the Woods screw maneuver. The high-pressure nature of this complication demands extensive training, and clinical simulation is essential for practicing these maneuvers in a controlled environment. This study evaluated the impact of clinical simulation on 35 obstetric practitioners in Morocco. Participants completed a 30-hour course on managing shoulder dystocia using mannequin simulators. The training included video demonstrations, practice sessions, peer evaluations, self-assessment, and subjective assessments by tutors of participants' performance before and after the course. The results showed a significant improvement in technical skills, with 65% of participants receiving high ratings from their peers. Self-assessment using video-recorded simulation sessions revealed an increase in average performance from 2.57 to 4.17. However, participants stressed the need to improve self-confidence and reaction times. Subjective assessment of skills by tutors highlighted excellent teamwork and strict adherence to safety protocols, but decision-making under pressure and time management still need improvement. In conclusion, clinical simulation effectively enhances obstetric practitioners' skills in managing shoulder dystocia, with strengths in technical proficiency and teamwork. However, future training should focus on building confidence and improving rapid decision-making to optimize performance in high-pressure scenarios. Ongoing evaluation is essential to ensure continuous improvement in maternity care.