Obstetric Simulation Workshops in Uganda: A New Gateway to Healthcare Cooperation
Abstract:
In recent years, clinical simulation workshops have been widely utilized as a learning method in universities and teaching hospitals worldwide [1]. Clinical simulation refers to the fictitious execution of a complex clinical procedure with sufficient realism to facilitate the acquisition of theoretical and practical skills, including commu nication and coordination with medical staff, through immersion, practice, and feedback, while avoiding the risks inherent in real-life medical situations [1, 2]. Among its many benefits are a shortened learning curve, improved patient confidence, and enhanced competitive outcomes [2, 3]. On a global scale, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. The global prevalence of PPH is 6%, with the highest burden observed in low- income countries [4]. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence is notably high, at 10.5%. In Uganda, PPH accounts for 25% of all maternal deaths [5]. However, there is limited information on the magnitude and risk factors associated with PPH, and most healthcare facilities either fail to estimate blood loss or only perform visual estimation, a method with significant inaccuracy. The few studies that have objectively measured postpartum blood loss have been conducted in high-income countries, where the birth environments differ significantly from those in low-income nations [5]. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of two workshops: “Basic Assistance in Normal Delivery” and “Quantifi cation, Prevention, and Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage” held in April 2024 at a hospital in Uganda. The objective is to assess the potential impact of these workshops on healthcare personnel in low-income countries.
