Birthing and Cesarean Section Simulators Guide to Selection

The presence of a skilled birth attendant (SBA) is well-established as a key factor in maternal and child health outcomes. However, in some countries, only 40% of births are managed by an SBA, and the skills and knowledge of SBAs in some of the least-developed countries may not be advanced enough to safeguard the health of mother and newborn. Deficiencies in the quality of training can result in maternal and neonatal mortality in the instance of serious complications such as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), breech birth, and shoulder dystocia. An important training method for addressing such competencies is through the use of birthing and cesarean section simulators. These simulators provide a realistic and controlled environment for healthcare professionals to practice and improve their skills in managing complex birth scenarios. Birthing simulators come in a variety of styles and prices, ranging from low-cost options that do not offer the opportunity to practice PPH management to high-cost simulators that provide a high-fidelity training experience. Patient-actress simulations have been shown to provide a high-fidelity component to low-fidelity birthing simulation, allowing even low-cost simulators to provide a quality of experience comparable to high-cost simulator training. Cesarean section simulators are less widely available due to the complicated and expensive nature of surgical simulation, but they offer simulated tissue upon which surgical skills can be practiced. The prices of birthing and cesarean section simulators vary widely, ranging from US$150 to US$50,000. This guide contains a selection of commercialized birthing and cesarean section simulators that are available on the market today, arranged by price. The simulators included in this guide are designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals in a variety of settings, from low-resource settings to high-end training facilities. One of the simulators included in this guide is the MamaNatalie birthing simulator, which is a low-cost, portable option that does not require electricity. The simulator is strapped onto the operator, who takes the role of the mother while manually controlling various features to set the scenario. The MamaNatalie simulator is designed to provide realistic and affordable training in maternal and newborn care, and it includes a training curriculum available for a nominal fee. Another simulator included in this guide is the PRONTOPack, which is a portable and affordable self-contained birth simulation training kit. The PRONTOPack includes all materials and curriculum required for emergency obstetric and neonatal simulation training, and it is designed to meet the needs of clinics, hospitals, and other institutions in low-resource settings. The PRONTOPack includes a modified surgical scrub pants worn by a patient actress, as well as a simulated blood system, cloth baby and placenta, and other features. The OBSTETRICAL MANIKIN (180) is another simulator included in this guide, which is a pelvic model with a full-term newborn baby and placenta for teaching procedures in emergency childbirth and multiple techniques. The simulator has a lifelike pelvic cavity and pronounced pelvic landmarks, a modular pregnant belly overlay, and a clear abdominal overlay. The OBSTETRICAL MANIKIN (180) is designed to provide realistic and controlled training in emergency childbirth and multiple techniques. The CS500 SERIES is a versatile childbirth simulator that is used worldwide by healthcare educators. It provides an excellent simulation of the normal delivery experience for the student and educator, as well as instruction in abnormal and multiple deliveries. The CS500 SERIES includes a life-size pelvic cavity with major anatomic landmarks, anatomically accurate backbone and fontanels on the birthing baby, and low-fidelity cesarean section simulation. The CS500 SERIES is designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals in a variety of settings, from low-resource settings to high-end training facilities.