Multidisciplinary High-Risk Obstetrical Simulation Improves Periviability Counseling [ID: 1366577]

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of multidisciplinary simulation in the development of skills required for high-risk periviability counseling. METHODS: Trainees were recruited from the University of Minnesota to participate in a faculty-observed standardized high-risk periviability patient simulation. The simulation was unique in that multiple specialties collaborated in the evaluation, counseling, and management of their patient. Trainees completed presimulation and postsimulation knowledge and comfort self-assessment surveys to evaluate skill improvement and merit of the study. Evaluations were also performed by faculty and simulated patients. An IRB waiver was obtained. RESULTS: Of the 18 participants, there were 6 neonatal intensive care unit fellows, 2 maternal–fetal medicine fellows, and 10 senior ob-gyn residents. Presimulation and postsimulation Likert surveys with scale 1–5, showed improvement in the ability of trainees to elicit patient values and tailor their conversations (pre-mean 2.84, SD 0.67; post-mean 3.39, SD 0.59), use patient-centered language (pre-mean 3.37, SD 0.74; post-mean 3.89, SD 0.57), ally with patients (pre-mean 3.37, SD 0.93; post-mean 3.94, SD 0.52), provide difficult medical information (pre-mean 3.32, SD 1.03; post-mean 3.67, SD 0.58), discuss medical uncertainty (pre-mean 3.11, SD 0.79; post-mean 3.50, SD 0.60), and understand their own implicit biases (pre-mean 3.26, SD 0.71; post-mean 3.50, SD 0.60). Trainees also reported an increased use of hopeful language that did not focus on statistical outcomes (pre-mean 3.00, SD 0.65; post-mean 3.33, SD 0.47) and discussion of multiple management options, including comfort cares (pre-mean 2.05, SD 1.05; post-mean 2.94, SD 0.85). The post surveys also reflected that trainees felt the simulation was useful, provided a safe environment to practice counseling (mean 4.83, SD 0.37), and better prepared them for future high-risk obstetrical scenarios (mean 4.83, SD 0.37). CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary high-risk obstetrical simulation offers a unique opportunity for trainees to receive structured training and improve their ability to collaboratively counsel in rare high-risk obstetrical scenarios.