What does it mean when it says that the PROMPT birthing simulators are listed as being modular in design?
Both Standard and Advanced birthing simulators act as a base for the wider PROMPT Flex range. While both are suitable for basic obstetric training, they can support the additional modules that are designed to cover more complex obstetric procedures and enhance the training experience.
- Enhanced Caesarean Section module – suitable for the practice of routine and complex c-sections (this module requires the Standard PROMPT Flex Baby)
- Postpartum Haemorrhage module – give training in the management of postpartum bleeding
- Cervical Dilatation & Effacement module – develop assessment and management skills required during latent and active first stages of labour
- Compression Suture Uterus – additional module for practising common types of compression sutures and ligating the uterine artery
- PPH Kit – this kit includes the postpartum haemorrhage module and compression suture uterus module for postpartum bleeding, compression suture and ligating of the uterine artery
- Cervical Cerclage module – practice of elective or emergency cerclage to prevent pre-term birth
- Assisted Vaginal Birth module - practice of instrumental delivery procedures
- Lower Legs – with articulation, these offer increased realism when used with the birthing mother
Why does the PROMPT birthing trainer have different options/modules?
When developing the PROMPT birthing simulator and modules, Limbs & Things knew it was important to represent a wide range of birthing scenarios, without creating a model that was too complicated to use in training.
The modular design means that one base unit can support 5 modules, and training with 4 independent trainers, as well as being a standalone birthing simulator.
Each of the PROMPT modules and trainers gives a platform dedicated to specific skills, allowing trainees to focus their training and gain confidence in procedures.
Limbs & Things expanded the PROMPT range to include dark skin tone models, an important step to represent the wider population, allowing for more open discussions around ethnic disparities in maternal outcomes, such as those identified by MBRRACE. Their report shows that a woman is three times more likely to die because she has black skin, and two times more likely to die because she’s of Asian descent.
What was the reason for developing the birth simulator with the PROMPT Foundation?
One of Limbs & Things’ core principles is to improve patient outcomes, and this aligns with the PROMPT Maternity Foundation’s aim to reduce preventable harm to mothers and babies in maternity care. Through studies, such as SAFE, they’ve identified key points regarding training in the real world, to help target the needs of maternity patients and staff.
Their expertise & training has led to significant impact across the globe, including:
Maternal outcomes
- 30% reduction in caesarean sections in Kansas, USA
- 40% quicker deliveries via emergency caesarean section in Bristol, UK
- 34% reduction in maternal deaths in Mpilo Hospital, Zimbabwe
- 26% reduction in maternal deaths in hospitals in the Philippines
Foetal outcomes
- 100% reduction of permanent bracial plexus injury, Kansas, USA
- 30% reduction in APGAR scores under 7 at 5 minutes, Kansas, USA
- 50% reduction of hypoxic brain injury (HIE), Bristol, UK
- 45% reduction of school-aged cerebral palsy, Bristol, UK
The PROMPT Foundation’s ongoing work in maternity training gives a valuable insight into key skills to support with simulation training, and the needs of medical professionals and patients.
What does this childbirth simulator offer to medical students?
As part of a birth simulation, trainees will get hands-on experience with our realistic labour simulator. Simulated births offer the chance to develop their communication and teamwork skills, as well as practice fundamental skills required during labour.
Will using the PROMPT Flex Birthing Simulator during training improve neonatal outcomes?
A retrospective study undertaken by Southmead Hospital, UK, showed that after the introduction of simulation training, there was improvement seen in the management and outcomes of births complicated by shoulder dystocia. See the skills tab for more information on the study: Improving Neonatal Outcome Through Practical Shoulder Dystocia Training.
