Training of residents in amniocentesis: Effectiveness of a craft simulator

Objective. - This prospective study aims to assess a low fidelity simulation device for learning amniocentesis to gynecology-obstetrics residents. Methods. - From 2013 to 2016, gynecology-obstetrics residents of all levels, from the maternity of Nancy hospital, which have already performed amniocentesis or not, participated in amniocentesis training on an artisanal simulator. Residents were evaluated on the amniocentesis simulator according to seven quality criteria. Three scores were assigned: the first (S1) at the beginning of the first training session, the second (S2) at the end of the first session after individualized personal training and the third (S3) two months after the first simulation. Results. - A total of 40 residents were included. The scores obtained by the residents were 3.2 +/- 1.8 points for S1 versus 6.2 +/- 0.9 points for S2 (P < 0.001). Two months after, the residents' performances remained significantly improved compared to the initial assessment with a score (S3) of 5.8 +/- 1.3 points at S3 (P < 0.001). Conclusion. - Amniocentesis craft simulator is effective for performance improvement and allows a persistence of acquired skills two months after the training. At the time of "never the first time on the patient", it should be part of the curriculum of gynecology-obstetrics residents in order to guarantee patients quality care and optimum safety. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.