In the Degree Course in Obstetrics at the University of Milan, Mantua Section, simulation is changing the training of future obstetricians. Thanks to the arrival of a high-tech full-body simulator, students can now practice in safe and realistic environments, experiencing childbirth in alternative positions and managing obstetric emergencies. This approach not only guarantees technical preparation but also empathic skills, allowing students to respect the needs of women during childbirth. Innovation and safety come together to train quality professionals.
I’ve learned that people may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
This famous quote by Maya Angelou captures a fundamental principle applicable not only to everyday life but also to the field of professional training, including healthcare. The ability to create a safe and empathetic learning environment is essential, especially for students in the healthcare professions. The goal is not only to teach technical skills, but also to promote safety, confidence and professional awareness.
As early as the 13th century, Madame Du Coudray, a pioneer in obstetrics, designed one of the first simulators for teaching the art of midwifery. Her model, called “La Machine”, allowed midwives to practice in a protected and safe environment. This intuition, extraordinarily innovative for the time, demonstrates how the need to simulate clinical practice has always been at the center of midwifery training. Today, in the 21st century, this need is more relevant than ever, thanks also to the advent of advanced technologies that make simulation a key element of teaching.
Training in Obstetrics: Between Practice and Innovation
The basic training of future obstetricians aims to prepare them to manage both physiological and pathological childbirth. In Italy, the degree course in Obstetrics is characterized by a rigorous system of skills assessment. This assessment takes place mainly at two key moments: the internship exams, structured according to the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) model, and the qualifying state exam. During the three-year training period, students must complete a total of 2040 hours of field training, a requirement that not only allows them to put what they have learned into practice, but also to experiment as professionals in a real-life context. Furthermore, in order to take the state exam, each student must have independently attended at least 40 sessions. These requirements guarantee a solid experiential base, which is fundamental for facing the challenges of the profession.
However, practical experience in the field is not always sufficient to cover all possible clinical situations. For this reason, in recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on the need to integrate learning moments in protected environments. Simulation is an indispensable tool for offering students the opportunity to practice in controlled conditions, improving the safety of their performance and the quality of the care provided.
The Importance of Simulation in Training
In the Degree Course in Obstetrics at the University of Milan – Mantua Section, the introduction of the Noelle simulator (S574.100 Gaumard), a high-tech full-body manikin, marked a turning point in teaching. Thanks to this simulator and the subsequent creation of a control room for monitoring the sessions, it was possible to develop a training course based on learning in a protected environment.
Noelle allows for the highly realistic reproduction of various clinical situations, including the management of obstetric emergencies and alternative birthing positions. This innovative approach has expanded learning opportunities for students, who can acquire practical skills without compromising patient safety.
Alternative Birth Positions: An Innovative Training Project
One of the most interesting aspects introduced thanks to Noelle is the training project that involves assisting childbirth in alternative positions, such as on all fours or on the side. Traditionally, childbirth is managed in the lithotomic position, with the woman lying on her back and her legs raised. However, numerous studies show that respecting the preferences of the woman in labor is crucial to guaranteeing a positive and safe experience.
In fact, scientific literature supports the importance of letting the woman assume the position that she finds most comfortable during childbirth. This approach not only facilitates the physiological process, but also reduces the risk of complications and improves patient satisfaction. However, in order to assist a birth in alternative positions, the midwife must have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum and of the appropriate maneuvers for shoulder disengagement.
Thanks to our Noelle, it has been possible to create realistic scenarios in which students can practice assisting with childbirth in different positions. This type of simulation allows them to develop the necessary manual skills and gain confidence in the required techniques, without the pressure of having to deal with a real patient.
Advantages of Simulation for Training Future Midwives
The use of simulation offers numerous advantages in the training of future obstetricians. First of all, it allows for the creation of a risk-free learning environment for patients, in which students can make mistakes and learn from them without negative consequences. This approach is particularly useful for dealing with complex clinical situations, such as obstetric emergencies, which require quick and precise interventions.
Furthermore, simulation promotes active learning, encouraging students to reflect on their actions and improve their skills. Simulation sessions can be recorded and analyzed during debriefings, offering a unique opportunity for learning based on direct experience.
Another important aspect is the possibility of standardizing training. Thanks to simulators, it is possible to guarantee that all students have the opportunity to practice on a wide range of clinical scenarios, regardless of the opportunities offered by field training. This is particularly relevant in a context such as the Italian one, where access to certain clinical experiences can vary significantly between different healthcare facilities.
A Future Based on Innovation and Empathy
Simulation is not only a teaching tool, but a means to promote a person-centered approach. Training midwives to adapt to the needs of women during childbirth means ensuring care that is not only effective, but also respectful and empathetic.
As Maya Angelou emphasized, people don’t forget how you make them feel. This principle also applies to women who are experiencing childbirth. Thanks to simulation, future midwives can develop the necessary skills to offer assistance that respects the physiology of childbirth and, at the same time, responds to the emotional needs and expectations of the patients.
In a world where technology plays an increasingly central role, the introduction of simulation tools such as Noelle represents a step forward towards quality healthcare training. The future of obstetrics is in the hands of professionals who, thanks to simulation, will be able to guarantee safe, competent and empathetic care, ensuring that every woman remembers not only what was done, but above all how she felt during one of the most important moments of her life.
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