The perception of medical residents in gynecology and obstetrics regarding simulations in obstetric emergencies

Abstract

Simulation as an active methodology in health education is effective for training professionals. With realistic scenarios, medical residents practice technical and interpersonal skills, promoting experiential learning. This approach develops decision-making in complex situations and encourages critical reflection. This study aimed to understand how simulation is perceived by medical residents throughout their specialization. This was an observational, descriptive study with both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Interviews were conducted with medical residents at the end of the first, second, and third years of residency, during January and February 2025. All participated in monthly simulations of major obstetric emergencies. Fourteen residents were interviewed, of whom 13 (93%) were female, with average age of 28 years (standard deviation ±1.5 years). All residents recognized that the experience with simulations positively contributed to safer performance in obstetric emergencies throughout their specialization. The importance of simulations in gynecology and obstetrics training was perceived by the residents as an opportunity for learning in a safe and practical environment, for technical and emotional preparation for real professional practice scenarios.