Standardization of a High-Fidelity Postpartum Hemorrhage Simulation Scenario Across Two Geographically Separated Campuses

IntroductionThe utilization of high fidelity simulations across medical school campuses has grown in recent years as simulation is a useful tool in allowing students to practice real life scenarios in a safe space, as well as providing exposure to rarer cases in medicine. This study evaluated second and third-year medical students recognition and management of a postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to a retained placenta in SimMom(R). The objective was to describe the methods and procedures used in PPH simulation to educate these students across two geographically separated medical school campuses. It became apparent that there is a need to standardize medical simulation to maintain the quality of medical education. MethodsA case-scenario simulation with retained tissue had a run-time of 10 minutes. Times were marked when students identified the retained placental tissue was the cause of hemorrhage and when students extracted the fragment. A debrief with faculty followed the scenario regarding performance and education about the "4 Ts"of post-partum hemorrhage differential diagnosis (Tone, Trauma, Tissue, Thrombin), and the students feelings towards the simulation were evaluated with a post simulation survey. ResultsDespite efforts to maintain consistent simulations between the two campuses, there was a significant difference of timing between the two campuses to successful completion of the simulation, as well as in the number of students that did not successfully complete the goals of the simulation. However, the post-simulation survey did show that students on both campuses found value in participating in the simulation. DiscussionThe performance across the two campuses was statistically different, which illustrates a need to standardize simulation education experiences across medical school campuses. However, this protocol was an effective way to educate students and allow students to have hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating a rare but deadly complication of childbirth. This initial study may facilitate expansion on this particular, topic, as well as suggest more simulation education delivery within the medical school curriculum.