Effect of Education Based on the Simulation of the Actual Cases of Maternal Deaths on the Skills of Gynecology Residents in the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal mortality, which requires proper management through effective measures. The present study aimed to assess the effect of education based on the simulation of the actual cases of maternal deaths on the skills of gynecology residents in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: This interventional study was conducted on 35 gynecology residents receiving rotational training in Omolbanin Hospital (R) in Mashhad, Iran in 2015. Data were collected using a questionnaire for identifying the symptoms of abnormal bleeding after delivery, estimation of blood volume, and appropriate measures. Moreover, the actual cases of maternal mortality were assessed in several sessions, and proper training was provided on the management of postpartum hemorrhage in each case. After six months, the questionnaires were completed by the residents again. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA at the significance level of P<0.05. Results: Mean scores of the residents before and after the training were 12.88±2.21 and 16.91±2.68, respectively (P<0.001). Mean scores of the residents of the first (P=0.009), second (P<0.001), third (P=0.004), and fourth year (P=0.001) showed significant differences before and after the training. However, no significant differences were observed in the scores of the residents after the intervention compared to before the intervention in terms of the academic year (P=0.538). Conclusion: According to the results, training based on the simulation of the actual cases of maternal deaths could enhance the skills and confidence of gynecology residents in the effective management of postpartum hemorrhage.