Appropriate Delivery Project: Impact of Simulation Training on the Increase in Vaginal Births in Hospitals in Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the participation of professionals in simulation-based training and an increase in the rate of vaginal deliveries. Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed professionals’ participation in high-fidelity simulation training during the pilot phase of the Appropriate Delivery Project, spanning from May 21, 2015 to May 21, 2016, along with the rates of vaginal deliveries across various hospitals. Data for participation by nurses and physicians were examined using a gamma distribution model to discern the predictors influencing the changes in the percentage of vaginal births. Results Data from 27 hospitals involved in the project were analyzed. A total of 339 healthcare professionals, including 147 nurses and 192 doctors, underwent the simulation-based training. During the pilot test, the percentage of vaginal births increased from 27.8% to 36.1%, which further increased to 39.8% in the post-intervention period, particularly when the participation rate of nurses exceeded the median. Conclusion This study suggests that simulation-based training is a valuable strategy for achieving positive changes in obstetric practice, specifically an increase in the rate of vaginal births. These findings underscore the potential advantages of incorporating simulation training into improvement initiatives, as evidenced by the correlation between higher training adoption rates and substantial and sustained enhancements in vaginal birth rates.