Purpose: To create simulation to estimate fetal weight by examination and assess participant receptiveness to the activity.
Background: Accurate estimation of fetal weight on admission for delivery is a key step in antepartum care. Common methods for estimating fetal weight include fetal biometry measurements by ultrasound and provider clinical assessment. Residency training has evolved to include basic ultrasound skills in estimating fetal weight with less emphasis on physical exam estimation.
Methods: This is a prospective observational pilot study. Models were created using low-cost, common household supplies to simulate a gravid maternal abdomen and fetus. OB/GYN residents underwent didactic session reviewing the technique for clinical fetal weight estimation followed by blinded simulation in which they estimated weights using the learned maneuvers. Participants completed a survey at the conclusion.
Results: Bags of flour of differing weights were wrapped in foam batting and placed in pillowcases to simulate the gravid maternal abdomen and fetus. Total material costs approximated $40. Seventeen OB/GYN residents attended the didactic session and simulation with 15/17 (88%) completing the post-simulation survey. Only 3 participants (20%) had prior formal training in the technique. All participants reported that the activity was worthwhile and good/excellent utilization of time. All reported an increase in knowledge and ability to estimate fetal weight.
Discussions: This low-cost, simple to construct simulation for clinical estimation of fetal weight was well received by OB/GYN residents while increasing their comfort and knowledge. Future research is needed to assess if simulation improves accuracy in the clinical setting and impacts on patient outcomes.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Resident, Faculty, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, UME, Simulation, Lecture, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, General Ob-Gyn,
Purpose: To create simulation to estimate fetal weight by examination and assess participant receptiveness to the activity.
