Abstract Overview:
Shoulder dystocia is a complication that may occur unexpectedly at childbirth and may result in severe neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Aims and Objectives:
To quantify the effect of a structured and standardised leadership and teamwork training module on the improvement of skills in managing shoulder dystocia.

Method:
This was a randomised-controlled-trial (RCT) at the University of Western Macedonia in Greece. During November-December 2024, final-year Midwifery students were invited to participate in a one-day workshop and were randomised into group A (intervention) and group B (controls). The simulation training and assessment in shoulder dystocia was performed with a high-fidelity (PROMPT) birthing simulator and according to the RCOG guideline for obstetric manoeuvres. The intervention consisted of a two-hour leadership and teamwork experiential learning module. All students had a 30-minute initial pre-training assessment, a 30-minute theoretical and hands-on training, and a 30-minute post-training assessment. Students from group A received the intervention after their theoretical and hands-on training and before their final post-training assessment.

Results:
There were 51 students recruited, 25 were randomised into group A and 26 into group B. The mean age of the total cohort was 21.9 years (SD=3.1). Students in both groups had similar low pre-training values regarding proportion of successful deliveries, manoeuvres score, confidence levels, communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Students in both groups had similar high post-training values of successful deliveries (>92%), manoeuvres score (16/20) and confidence levels (8/10). Those that received the intervention when compared to controls demonstrated a statistical trend of increase and higher communication (4.4 vs 3.1;p=0.10), teamwork (3.1 vs 2.1;p=0.10) and leadership skills (3.8 vs 2.6;p=0.08) at the end of the workshop.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study are in support of the inclusion of teamwork and leadership structured training in shoulder dystocia management high-fidelity simulation courses.