The Felicity Reynolds Oral Prize presentations are a highlight of the OAA’s Annual Scientific Meeting. Each year, the highest-scoring abstracts are brought to life by their authors, showcasing new research and innovative ideas in obstetric anaesthesia. For many recipients, winning the Felicity Reynolds Prize marks the beginning of a much larger journey for their projects.
In this short series, we hear from recent winners as they reflect on how their projects have evolved since winning the Felicity Reynolds Prize, and share how you can find out more. In this first issue, we hear from Alex Butcher, winner of the 2025 Felicity Reynolds Prize.
Starting the novice period in obstetric anaesthesia can feel daunting. For many anaesthetists in training, those first few days bring a steep learning curve: new environments, unfamiliar procedures, bewildering acronyms, and pathology they may not have encountered before. So how to best prepare for this onslaught of information and new experiences?
As part of the team coordinating regional training in the East of England, we identified the need for an interactive, engaging and concise resource written specifically for novices in obstetric anaesthesia. Our solution: Obstetric Anaesthesia Essentials.
A day in the life of an obstetric anaesthetist
This online module is built to place trainees in the shoes of someone starting out in obstetrics. The course has two components:
- A day assisting with elective caesarean sections
- A day on the labour ward
Along the way, trainees are introduced to key concepts and common emergencies, helping them build confidence before starting their Initial Assessment of Competence in Obstetric Anaesthesia (IACOA). To keep learners engaged, we made interactivity a priority and included a variety of dynamic components, videos and filmed virtual reality scenarios. Learners are taken hour by hour through a busy day in obstetrics, with essential information delivered in bite-sized chunks, before they have the opportunity to step into the theatre themselves through the use of 360-degree simulations.
How has it been received?
We’ve received lots of positive feedback since launching the module, with many trainees reporting that it has boosted their confidence. Some quotes from learners have included:
‘Overall, very useful and clear walkthrough of obstetrics. Very helpful for someone just starting obs.’
‘Should be mandatory to complete during the first few weeks of IACOA as it has lots of useful information that would support the placement.’
‘Everything was explained from the ground up, which meant confusion around topics was avoided.’
This resource is now being used throughout the east of England by all trainees completing their IACOA. Following the presentation of the project at the OAA’s ASM in May, several other regions have expressed interest in recommending it to their trainees, which we are more than happy to facilitate.
If you are interested in using the course in your area, please feel free to explore it using the link below and contact me at alexander.butcher2@nhs.net.
View Obstetric Anaesthesia Essentials
For the best user experience, view the module on a desktop or tablet, and avoid feeble NHS wifi!
