Training in Assistive Delivery

The World Health Organization recommends a rate of cesareans inferior than 15%. However, the actual rates in the US double this value, while the use of obstetrical instruments, a recommended alternative to cesareans but which requires high skill and experience, has significantly decreased in the latest years. In this context there is a clear demand for simulators, with special interest in learning the correct use of Kielland’s forceps.

In this work we present a virtual instrumented simulator to improve training in the correct use of forceps proposing a three-step protocol which guides users along the process while evaluating their performance. We validate this protocol, following principles based on previously published guidelines, on two types of manikins. Our results show that the proposed solution successfully detects the incorrect positioning of the forceps in most steps, guiding the user during the training process and providing feedback on wrong maneuvers.

Related publications

• M. García-Sevilla, J. De León-Luis, R. Moreta-Martínez, D. García-Mato, R. Pérez-Mañanes, J. A. Calvo-Haro, and J. Pascau. Performance Evaluation to Improve Training in Forceps-Assisted Delivery. OR2.0 Context-Aware Operating Theaters, Computer Assisted Robotic Endoscopy, Clinical Image-Based Procedures, and Skin Image Analysis, 11041, 69–77 (2018). [doi]

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