Impact of simulation-based prenatal invasive procedure training on professional practice, a preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling remain the cornerstone of prenatal diagnosis. These procedures are associated with a risk of miscarriage estimated at approximately 0.5 %. Our team has developed a training model for performing simulation-based prenatal invasive procedures. Several simulation sessions are offered each year to obstetricians-gynecologists involved in fetal medicine in France and abroad. This simulation-based learning has already been conclusively evaluated according to levels I and II of the Kirkpatrick model. Here, we carried out a preliminary study according to level III: does participation in training in prenatal invasive procedures through simulation have an influence on professional practice?

Methods: An anonymous online survey was sent to 82 obstetricians-gynecologists who participated in the training in prenatal invasive procedures at the Antoine Béclère maternity hospital between January 1^st, 2014 and December 31, 2018. This questionnaire, entitled "Evaluation of the professional impact of training in invasive procedures through simulation", included 20 quantitative and qualitative items.

Results: 48 (59 %) obstetricians-gynecologists responded to the questionnaire. 98 % of the participants considered that participation in the training had a significant impact on their professional practice. Half considered this impact to be major. 60 % of the former participants are now attached to a Multidisciplinary Center for Prenatal Diagnosis.

Conclusion: Participation in training is considered by former participants to have a significant impact on their professional practice. In order to finalize the evaluation of this learning, a study of the benefits for patients and their pregnancy should be discussed.

Keywords: Amniocentesis; Chorionic villus sampling; Prenatal diagnosis; Simulation.