Training in emergency obstetric skills: is it evidence-based?

In recent years, training in emergency obstetric skills has moved from the traditional clinical teaching in the labour ward to specific, targeted skills and scenario-based courses utilising mannequins and simulators. Such changes have been necessary, largely as a result of the limitations of traditional clinical teaching when it comes to genuine patient encounters in an emergency situation. The range of simulations now available extends from simple pelvic models to sophisticated computer-based birth simulators. Evidence for the effectiveness of such simulated training is gradually emerging, and in general, transfer of knowledge, improvement of clinical skills and teamwork are all enhanced. However, unequivocal evidence that such teaching improves clinical outcomes is still lacking. Further prospective research on the impact of emergency obstetric training courses as a means of reducing adverse perinatal outcomes is warranted.