Shoulder dystocia training using a new birth training mannequin

Abstract

Shoulder dystocia 'skill drills' are a requirement for the Maternity CNST standards. However, there is, as yet, no evidence that training in the management of shoulder dystocia improves outcome. We developed a mannequin for training and investigated its effectiveness. The management of shoulder dystocia improved following training with the mannequin. There was a reduction in the head-to-body delivery duration, and the maximum applied delivery force, following training; however, these did not reach statistical significance. After training no subject applied a delivery force of greater than 100 N, a level above which fetal injury has been shown to occur.