TelesDystocia: Tele-Support vs. Cognitive Aid in Simulated Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is an unpredictable, time-critical obstetric emergency requiring immediate recognition and rapid execution of established maneuvers. To date, there is no published evidence evaluating remote real-time support for the management of shoulder dystocia, which could be especially relevant for providers not frequently confronted with obstetric emergencies.

This prospective, randomized, controlled, simulation-based trial compares healthcare providers' performance in managing a standardized shoulder dystocia scenario when supported by remote tele-assistance versus a standard cognitive aid. Teams of at least two healthcare providers manage a standardized scenario on the Laerdal MamaBirthie Task Trainer, with a trained study team member playing the laboring patient. Successful delivery requires completion of three predefined external maneuvers and one internal maneuver.

Teams are randomized to Group A (cognitive aid: a standardized visual reference tool with written instructions and pictograms) or Group B (remote tele-support: live video guidance from a credentialed obstetric expert via Signal). The primary outcome is the total performance score (0-25 points). Secondary outcomes include cognitive load (NASA-TLX), usability (System Usability Scale), and subjective experience and communication quality (5-point Likert scales).