The labor games

Objective: To develop and evaluate a simulation laboratory designed to stimulate learning and increase medical students' preparedness for an obstetrics and gynecology clinical clerkship. METHODS: Ninety-seven medical students participated in the games during their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship in 1 year. Using the resident-as-teacher model, students rotated through seven stations, each with a simulated obstetric task. Points were awarded at each station, and the student with the highest score won. Selfperceived proficiency level and general preparedness for the clerkship were evaluated through paired pregame and postgame assessments. RESULTS: Postassessment results showed statistically significant (P<.001) increases in self-perceived competence performing all tested skills including reading fetal heart tracings, knot-tying, measuring cervical dilation, amniotomy, estimating fetal weight, and estimating blood loss. Approximately 97% enjoyed The Labor Games, 97.9% reported increased knowledge, and 96.9% learned valuable skills. Students also reported feeling more prepared for the obstetrics and gynecology rotation (2.6 compared with 3.3, P<.001). DISCUSSION: The Labor Games improved medical students' self-confidence and self-perceived skill level on obstetric tasks. Students also felt more prepared for the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. This study creates a low-cost and reproducible simulation laboratory that is identified as effective by medical students in teaching skills, knowledge, and preparedness for an obstetrics and gynecology clerkship.