The importance of simulation-based multi professional training in obstetric anesthesia: an update

Abstract

Purpose of review: Simulation-based training remains an integral component of medical education by providing a well tolerated, controlled, and replicable environment for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes. Simulation technology applied to obstetric anesthesiology continues to evolve as a valuable tool for the training and assessment of the multidisciplinary obstetric care team.

Recent findings: Simulation-based technology has continued to play a role in training and assessment, including recent work on interdisciplinary communication, recognition, and management of obstetric hemorrhage, and support in the low or strained resource setting. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of simulation-based training away from a reliance on in-situ or high-fidelity manikin-based approaches toward an increasing utilization of modalities that allow for remote or asynchronous training.

Summary: The evolution of simulation for interdisciplinary training and assessment in obstetric anesthesia has accelerated, playing a greater role in aspects of communication, management of hemorrhage and supporting low or strained resource settings. Augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality have advanced dramatically, spurred on by the need for remote and asynchronous simulation-based training during the pandemic.