Dhanalakshmi Thiyagarajan, MD MPH
Nominated From: University of Michigan
Research Site: Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
Research Area: Maternal health, Engineering
Primary Mentor: Dr. Emma Lawrence & Dr. Cheryl Moyer
Research Project
Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Simulation-Based External Cephalic Version Educational Program to Reduce Avoidable Cesarean Deliveries in Ghana
Fetuses in the breech position are usually delivered via cesarean deliveries. But avoidable cesarean deliveries have significant short- and long-term maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, including bleeding and infection. External cephalic versions (ECVs) are a proven, low-risk, cost-effective procedure, involving a trained clinician to use a series of techniques to manually rotate the fetus from a breech position into a head-down position allowing for vaginal deliveries and thereby avoiding cesarean deliveries. Based on a completed needs assessment, ECV is not commonly performed in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to a lack of clinician training and experience. I aim to evaluate acceptance and feasibility of ECVs, and develop and evaluate the clinical value of an ECV simulation-based educational program to improve clinician confidence toward, knowledge of, and skill in performing ECVs.
Research Significance
Findings will inform an accessible solution to build capacity in safe and effective ECVs in Ghana. This is critical at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana’s oldest and largest teaching hospital, and most accessible to Ghanaian clinical trainees. Expansion of this ECV simulation-based educational program in a stepwise fashion from KBTH to other teaching hospitals in Ghana, and beyond, to other LMICs; and clinicians, including certified nurse midwives, can decrease avoidable cesarean deliveries throughout the world.
Publications
Mentors
