Comparison of high-fidelity simulation and lecture to improve the management of fetal heart rate monitoring

Background: We developed a training course of fetal monitoring using high-fidelity simulation for obstetric nurses. Method: All participants were assessed by two standardized written tests for knowledge and interpretation of fetal heart rate tracing before and after the training. In addition, a self-estimated questionnaire survey was performed twice—after the training and 6 months later. Results: The knowledge and interpretation of fetal heart rate tracing significantly improved in the simulation group. Compared with the lecture group, the perceived improvements of knowledge and interpretation of fetal heart rate tracing in the simulation group were significantly better following the training and 6 months later. Conclusion: High-fidelity simulation courses are useful in improving the knowledge and interpretation of fetal heart rate tracings for obstetric nurses. They are more effective to improve both short-and long-term management in fetal heart rate monitoring.