Midwifery students' retention of learning after screen-based simulation training on neonatal resuscitation: a pilot study.

Simulation in medical education is widely used to teach both technical and non-technical skills. The use of tools such as screen-based simulation raises the question of their efficiency and the retention rate for knowledge and skills. In this study, we measured midwives' retention of learning after screen-based simulation training on neonatal resuscitation. 14 midwifery students participated in this pilot study. They undertook two screen-based simulation sessions 2 months apart. Measurements included a knowledge quiz, a self-efficacy assessment and two experts' evaluations of the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Performance Evaluation (NRPE) scoring (non-technical and technical skills, respectively). A demographic survey with open-ended questions on professional experience and learning concluded the study. We showed an improvement in the self-efficacy assessment (p<0.05), the knowledge quiz (p<0.01) and the ANTS evaluation (p<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in the NRPE score. The students enjoyed the apprenticeship aspect of the screen-based simulation. Repeated exposure to a screen-based simulation on neonatal resuscitation could be advantageous for non-technical skills training, self-confidence and retention of knowledge. This is still a work in progress, undergoing further investigation with more participants and new variables.

Effect of Computer Debriefing on Acquisition and Retention of Learning After Screen-Based Simulation of Neonatal Resuscitation: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Debriefing is key in a simulation learning process. OBJECTIVE: This study focuses on the impact of computer debriefing on learning acquisition and retention after a screen-based simulation training on neonatal resuscitation designed for midwifery students. METHODS: Midwifery students participated in 2 screen-based simulation sessions, separated by 2 months, session 1 and session 2. They were randomized in 2 groups. Participants of the debriefing group underwent a computer debriefing focusing on technical skills and nontechnical skills at the end of each scenario, while the control group received no debriefing. In session 1, students participated in 2 scenarios of screen-based simulation on neonatal resuscitation. During session 2, the students participated in a third scenario. The 3 scenarios had an increasing level of difficulty, with the first representing the baseline level. Assessments included a knowledge questionnaire on neonatal resuscitation, a self-efficacy rating, and expert evaluation of technical skills as per the Neonatal Resuscitation Performance Evaluation (NRPE) score and of nontechnical skills as per the Anaesthetists' Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) system. We compared the results of the groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: A total of 28 midwifery students participated in the study. The participants from the debriefing group reached higher ANTS scores than those from the control group during session 1 (13.25 vs 9; U=47.5; P=.02). Their scores remained higher, without statistical difference during session 2 (10 vs 7.75; P=.08). The debriefing group had higher self-efficacy ratings at session 2 (3 vs 2; U=52; P=.02). When comparing the knowledge questionnaires, the significant baseline difference (13 for debriefing group vs 14.5 for control group, P=.05) disappeared at the end of session 1 and in session 2. No difference was found for the assessment of technical skills between the groups or between sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Computer debriefing seems to improve nontechnical skills, self-efficacy, and knowledge when compared to the absence of debriefing during a screen-based simulation. This study confirms the importance of debriefing after screen-based simulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03844009; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03844009.

Benefits of Screen-Based Postpartum Hemorrhage Simulation on Nontechnical Skills Training: A Randomized Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death in the world. Nontechnical skills (NTS), such as communication and teamwork, are critical for efficient management of this obstetric emergency. Specific scenarios were designed on a screen-based simulator to train NTS. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of training midwives for NTS with a PPH screen-based simulation. METHODS: A total of 24 midwives participated in the study. They were randomized in 2 groups: the NTS group (n = 12) performed 3 screen-based scenarios designed to train NTS and the control group (n = 12) performed 3 basic scenarios of the screen-based simulation without the NTS training. A structured interview followed the simulation. On the same day, each trainee underwent individually an evaluation on a PPH high-fidelity simulation scenario. Three experts, blinded to the study arm, assessed the NTS with the Anesthetists Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) score. RESULTS: Midwives from the NTS group achieved higher median scores in each dimension of the ANTS score: task management (4 vs. 2/4, P < 0.0001), team working (4 vs. 2/4, P < 0.0001), situation awareness (4 vs. 2.7/4, P < 0.0001), and decision-making (4 vs. 2/4, P < 0.0001). The median value of the total ANTS score was higher in the NTS group than in the control group (15.5 vs. 8/16, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that training with a NTS screen-based simulation, with specific scenarios and debriefing, leads to higher midwives' nontechnical skills performance during simulated postpartum hemorrhage.

Virtual Reality Single-Port Sleeve Gastrectomy Training Decreases Physical and Mental Workload in Novice Surgeons: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Novice surgeons experience high levels of physical and mental workload during the early stages of their curriculum and clinical practice. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the first bariatric procedure worldwide. Feasibility and safety of single-port sleeve gastrectomy (SPSG) has been demonstrated. An immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation was developed to provide a repetitive exercise to learn this novel technique. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the VR training tool on mental and physical workload in novice surgeons. The secondary objective included an evaluation of the VR simulator. METHODS: A monocentric-controlled trial was conducted. Ten participants were divided into two groups, the VR group and the control group (without VR training). Surgery residents participated in a first real case of SPSG and a second case 1 month later. The VR group underwent a VR training between the two surgeries. Mental and physical loads were assessed with self-assessment questionnaires: NASA-TLX, Borg scale, and manikin discomfort test. The VR simulator was evaluated through presence, cybersickness, and usability questionnaires. RESULTS: This study showed a decrease of the mental demand and effort dimensions of NASA-TLX between the first and the second surgery in the VR group (P < .05). During the second surgery, a marginally significant difference was shown concerning the mental demand between the two groups. Postural discomfort of the VR group decreased with practice (P < .01), mainly between the first and the second surgery (P < .05). Furthermore, participants characterized the VR simulator as realistic, usable, and very useful to learned surgery. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study showed an improvement in mental and physical workload when novice surgeons trained with VR (repetitive practice, gesture improvement, reduction of stress, etc.). Virtual reality appears to be a promising perspective for surgical training.