OBJECTIVE:

To assess the knowledge, satisfaction and level of confidence of Gynaecology and Obstetrics residents after participating in a simulation workshop on episiotomy and severe perineal tear repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Observational and cross-sectional study carried out in residents of the speciality of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in June 2022. Knowledge questionnaires were administered before and after the workshop, a satisfaction and confidence level survey, as well as a checklist to assess the post-workshop episiotomy and tear repair technique. Descriptive statistics and paired t-test were used for pre- and post-test comparison. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Thirty-seven resident physicians of all academic grades were included. The mean pre-test assessment was 14.89 ± 0.54 points and 15.81 ± 0.41 points at post-test, p = 0.233. During episiotomy repair practice, 34 of the 37 residents recognized anatomical structures and all selected suture material appropriately. In the perineal tears workshop 25 of 37 recognized anatomical structures and all but one selected material appropriately.

CONCLUSIONS:

The workshop with simulation animal models has a high satisfaction and confidence level; however, no improvement in knowledge was observed in this study. This positive effect on trainee doctors allows early identification of anal sphincter injuries, correct repair and consequently a decrease in the incidence of dysfunction associated with perineal obstetric trauma.