Assessment of a simulation training exercise to teach intrauterine tamponade for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum hemorrhage is a common complication of vaginal birth. Few midwives have experience in the performance of procedures to manage hemorrhage that fails to respond to initial management with medications and bimanual compression. METHODS: A simulation model was constructed by using a half-pelvis birth simulator and a hollowed out cantaloupe. Practicing midwives and students participated in a simulation exercise by using uterine packing and placement of a uterine tamponade balloon. Pre-exercise and post-exercise self-assessments were performed. Data were analyzed by using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. RESULTS: A total of 25 learners participated in the training session. All 25 participants showed improvement in their self-assessed competency level for the placement of the Bakri Postpartum Balloon (P < .001), and 24 of 25 showed improvement in self-assessed competency levels for uterine packing (P < .001). DISCUSSION: An inexpensive simulation model can be used to effectively train midwives to treat postpartum hemorrhage by using methods of exerting direct pressure to the uterine cavity.