Enhancing postpartum hemorrhage training by integrating case-problem based learning with simulation: a quasi experimental study.

Abstract

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, and effective training in PPH rescue techniques is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining case-based learning (CBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) with simulation teaching methods in improving midwifery trainees' technical proficiency in managing PPH.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 76 trainees who received PPH training at Peking University Third Hospital from March to July 2023. They were divided into two groups: the control group (n = 50) followed traditional simulation training methods, and the research group (n = 26) used a combination of CBL-PBL and scenario simulation. After the training, all participants completed a theoretical examination and questionnaire to assess their satisfaction with the program and self-assessment of clinical management skills in PPH. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-tests and chi-square tests to compare the groups.

Results: The combination of CBL-PBL and scenario simulation was highly satisfactory compared to traditional simulation training, significantly enhancing self-assessed skills in clinical thinking (100% vs. 61.8%, p = .03), operant skills related to PPH (100% vs. 57.4%, p < .01), relevant knowledge pertaining to PPH (100% vs. 58.7%, p < .01), and management abilities (97.1% vs. 39%, p < .01) among midwifery trainees in the research group, who also scored significantly higher on post-training assessments of PPH knowledge than control groups(91.7 ± 6.0 vs 76.0 ± 7.1, p < .01). A majority of trainees expressed a preference for regular simulation exercises (98.7%) and detailed discussions on PPH cases (93.4%) in future training sessions.

Conclusion: Combining CBL-PBL with simulation practice is a more effective teaching method for PPH management training in maternity staffs with a certain level of clinical experience, compared to traditional methods. Future studies should explore the implementation of regular PPH rescue skill training in real clinical settings to support these findings.