"The sponge perineum:" an innovative method of teaching fourth-degree obstetric perineal laceration repair to family medicine residents

Fourth-degree perineal lacerations are an uncommon, unpredictable injury that family physicians may face. After a needs assessment and feasibility review, we developed goals, objectives, instructional tools, and a feedback survey for a curriculum using a novel model to simulate perineal laceration repair. Fifty-six learners evaluated the session, expressing increased confidence with perineal laceration repair, the usefulness of the model, and their desire to see it included in the Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics course. The "sponge perineum" is an inexpensive, effective tool to teach perineal laceration repair. Further study is needed with actual patient experiences.