Medical simulation provides a safe way for physicians to learn new skills and procedures without risk of injury to patients. It also allows for immediate feedback from peers and/or faculty observers.
The goal with simulation training is continual improvement in quality of patient care and safety through education, practice, and assessment while also focusing on enhancing teamwork and communication among interdisciplinary healthcare providers.
OB/GYN residents at all PGY levels participate in monthly simulation drills at the UAMS Centers for Simulation Education throughout their training in order to be equipped to perform complex procedures and improve healthcare quality and safety. Typical simulation drills include postpartum hemorrhage, eclamptic seizure, shoulder dystocia, maternal code. Several low-fidelity models are used to teach minimally invasive gynecologic skills including the ExCITE technique.
Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) is also required by ABOG prior to applying for the Qualifying exam. Each month, we have FLS “skills check” sessions supervised by faculty physicians in the Center for Simulation. The residents also have 24/7 access to the OB/GYN Department FLS training set complete with training boxes and instruments available to use in their call room.