Simulation can be a powerful tool in obstetric anaesthesia, driving forwards the education of clinicians for the benefit of patients. Simulation has been closely linked with obstetrics since its inception. Today’s modern technology and educational theory have combined to make it a more powerful and accessible learning tool than ever, allowing both clinical skills and human factors to be effectively taught and assessed in combination. Since becoming more widely validated, simulation is also being used in research, to identify latent threats and for summative assessment. Setting up a simulation programme, whether in situ or at a dedicated centre, requires preparation, planning, and an appreciation of its limitations. The simulation should be evidence based, target the learner’s needs, and be of benefit to patients. The challenge for trainers and trainees is to ensure both that the training provided achieves these goals, and that they can deliver evidence to demonstrate that it has.
Obstetric anaesthesia practice: Dashboard as a dynamic audit tool
