Low-cost simulation models for teaching episiotomy/laceration repair and venous cutdown.

摘要

Recently, there has been progress in reaching the fifth Millennium Development Goal, which is to reduce maternal mortality by three-quarters between 1990 and 2015 [1 ]. However, many women still die as a result of obstetric complications; these deaths could be prevented with appropriate and timely treatment Several courses exist that aim to improve emergency obstetric care, some of which are available free of charge on the Internet [2]. These courses recommend simulation and role play as a way to practice technical and non-technical skills. Using a simulation model to practice skills has the advantage that the skill can be acquired at a convenient time and, moreover, that patients do not need to be exposed to inexperienced learners. However, most commercially available models may not be affordable in a low-resource setting. The present paper describes 2 models-1 for teaching episiotomy repair and 1 for venous cutdown-both of which can be locally produced at low cost. Instructions on how to construct and use the models are available free of charge on the Internet or through the WHO HINARI program.