Training on Kielland’s forceps: A survey of trainees’ opinions

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional survey including specialist trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology in the Health Education West Midlands region, UK, to capture their views and assess training opportunities on the use of Kielland’s forceps. Half of the trainees in the region completed the survey (87/172, 50%). Only 31% of our trainees worked in units that supported the training on these forceps (27/87, 31%). The majority reported that they did not get enough exposure to using Kielland’s forceps (53/87, 60.9%). Only a minority (5.7%, 5/87) felt confident to perform a Kielland’s rotational delivery independently. The majority (64.3%, 56/87) were keen to continue using Kielland’s forceps in the future if competent. More than two-thirds (86.2%, 75/87) felt that simulation could aid their training. There was large enthusiasm for training on the safe use of Kielland's forceps among trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology in the West Midlands region. A national assessment of training resources is needed to better plan training recourses on this complex skill.

Keywords:

• Kielland’s foreceps
• obstetrics
• operative vaginal delivery
• survey
• training

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr. Alexander Pirie – Consultant Obstetrician at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital for his help and advice on this project.

This project was conducted by members of the WMROG: The West Midlands Trainee Research Collaborative in Obstetrics and gynaecology. WMROG is an independent trainee-led non-profit collaborative that aims to produce high-quality research and audit projects on a regional level. The authors would like to acknowledge the support of its WMROG members.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.