Usefulness of low-cost simulation models to learning surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum: An observational educational study

Objective: To evaluate the utility of low-cost simulation models to teach surgical techniques for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), included in a multimodal education workshop for PAS. Methods: This was an observational, survey-based study. Participants were surveyed before and after the use of low-fidelity mannequins to simulate two surgical techniques for PAS (one-step conservative surgery [OSCS] and modified subtotal hysterectomy [MSTH]), within a multimodal educational workshop. The workshops included pre-course preparation, didactics, simulated practice of the techniques using low-cost models, and viewing live surgery. Results: Six OSCS/MSTH training workshops occurred across six countries and a total of 270 participants were surveyed. The responses of 127 certified obstetricians and gynecologists (OB–GYNs) were analyzed. Participants expressed favorable impressions of all components of the simulated session. Perceived anatomical simulator fidelity, scenario realism, educational component effectiveness, and self-assessed performance improvement received ratings of 4–5 (positive end of the Likert scale) from over 90% of respondents. When asked about simulation's role in technique comprehension, comfort level in technique performance, and likelihood of recommending this workshop to others, more than 75% of participants rated these aspects with a score of 4–5 (positively) on the five-point scale. Conclusion: Low-cost simulation, within a multimodal education strategy, is a well-accepted intervention for teaching surgical techniques for PAS.