In LMICs, the capacity to perform C-sections is severely limited. Even when available, the risks of maternal and neonatal complications after C-section, including death, are 50 to 100 times higher than in high resource countries. Despite this, little attention is placed on improving the technical quality of the C-sections being done and the surgical skills of those performing them. Throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, C-sections are often performed by low-level healthcare providers at District Hospitals. These providers have often had minimal, if any, formal instruction in surgical procedure skills and most importantly, are unlikely to have ever had any objective assessment of their technical knowledge and skills prior to practice.
By the end of our module, trainees will be able to:
1) Describe the anatomy of the abdominal wall, the pelvis, and the gravid uterus, including major anatomical variants.
2) Identify and select the appropriate instruments and materials needed for a C-section.
3) Arrange and prepare the patient, equipment, and materials required for a C-section.
4) Describe in proper order the key steps of a C-section.
5) Reproduce the steps of a C-section with minimal guidance.
6) Demonstrate objectively measured competency in their ability to reproduce the steps of a C-section
