Simulation in General Obstetrics and Gynecology

Obstetrical simulation dates from the Paleolithic period. Gynecologic simulation has its origins in the 1920s Link box trainers. By improving maternal-fetal outcomes, obstetric simulation secures our existence. Improved maternal-fetal outcomes create a need for gynecologic surgery and simulation. Therefore, gynecologic simulation may be an afterthought that has yet to attain a validated place in medical education and professional practice. The objectives of this review article are to assess the scope of simulation in obstetrics and gynecology, identify simulation’s strengths and weaknesses, review barriers to simulation growth in obstetrics and gynecology, and present a route forward. Google scholar and Google Internet searches phrased “simulation obstetrics gynecology”, performed on November 25, 2015 yielded 29 references from 2001 to 2015. PubMed search on December 19, 2015, terms “simulation obstetrics gynecology, found 12 relevant, non-redundant articles. Additional Google scholar hand search on December 20, 2015, and September 14, 2016 yielded 45 articles for timely topic completion. Post-Halstedian apprenticeship based medical training guarantees an ever-increasing role of simulation in obstetrics and gynecology training. Patient safety, healthcare quality, and healthcare provider credentialing concerns assure the future of medical simulation. Given positive association with neonatal outcomes, medical student interest in obstetrics, and obstetrics team building, obstetrics simulation has proven itself. Gynecologic simulation needs to address fidelity, reliability, and validity concerns to secure an enduring position in gynecologic education and professional practice.