The impact of Covid-19 on simulation-based learning of gynecology and obstetrics skills

Abstract

Simulation-based learning can be defined as a modern learning and training method. The pan-European curriculum for training in obstetrics and gynecology PACT (Project for Achieving Consensus in Training) incorporates medical simulation and recommends its urgent implementation in the national residency programs of individual countries. The current Covid-19 pandemic presents challenges to the medical community. During the first wave of the pandemic, Italy was the most severely affected EU country, whereas during the second wave Slovenia was among those most affected. The severe limitations of the lockdown and post-lockdown led to significant changes in all healthcare organizations and, consequently, also training activities in obstetrics and gynecology. Limitations on training during the Covid-19 pandemic may have severely impacted the opportunity to learn basic clinical and surgical skills. A potential strategy for overcoming these limitations was offered by simulation activities, which allowed trainees to receive basic training in our discipline and prevented an additional “lockdown” of their learning and development of skills. This type of simulation training will be of paramount importance, considering the paradigm shift caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in lifestyle and healthcare activities.

Abbreviations: ACOG: American college of obstetricians and gynecologists; EBCOG: European board and college of obstetrics and gynaecology; ICU: intensive care unit; OR: operating room; PACT: project for achieving consensus in training; PUI: patient under investigation

Keywords:

• Simulation-based learning
• gynecology
• obstetrics
• skills
• Covid-19

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Donald Reindl and his team for assistance with copyediting the English text.

Ethical approval

The authors are responsible for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work have been appropriately investigated and resolved.

Declaration of interest

All the authors completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form. No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.