Evaluating Simulator-Based Training to Improve Epidural Analgesia Skills in Anesthesia Residents During Labor

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether simulation-based training can improve the success rate of epidural catheter placement for anesthesia residents in obstetric anesthesia. Epidural analgesia is widely recommended for managing labor pain but can be technically challenging, especially for trainees. This prospective, randomized, single-center study compares simulator training combined with an anatomy lecture against standard clinical training without simulation for anesthesia residents in their 4th or 5th year with limited prior epidural experience. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups an intervention group receiving a frontal anatomy lecture and a 3-hour practical session using high-fidelity epidural simulators before their labor ward rotation, and a control group receiving standard theoretical clinical training without simulator practice. All epidural catheter placements during labor ward rotations will be supervised, with detailed data collection on success rates, procedure time, complications, and resident satisfaction. During the study, each epidural procedure attempt will be closely monitored, with structured case report forms completed immediately after the procedure up to 45 minutes post-enrollment. Researchers will measure the number of successful catheter placements without tutor help as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include procedure attempts, complications like accidental dural puncture or bloody tap, and success rates during day versus night shifts. Data will be securely stored and analyzed under ethical guidelines, with participation lasting through the residents labor ward rotation period.

Simulation-Based Training for Epidural Analgesia Placement