Improving Management of Obstetrical Emergencies: Using Simulation-based Training

Book excerpt: The aim of this Executive Leadership Doctorate in Nursing Practice project was to assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training as a strategy to ensure patient safety and quality care by improving the knowledge and confidence of obstetric nursing staff. Collateral goals included the development of a simulation-based interactive training program to improve staff response to obstetric emergencies and the establishment of an Interprofessional Simulation Training Center. The use of simulation-based training is widely accepted ans used in healthcare education. Several benefits of simulation-based training include a learner-centered approach, safe acquisition of technical skills training and development of effective communication skills. Simulation-based training provides healthcare professionals the opportunity to be involved in simulated patient care scenarios without causing harm to actual patients. The labor and delivery unit is one of the vital areas in the hospital where the management of obstetric emergencies of laboring women, neonates, and postpartum mothers is critical and requires expert skills sets. the increasing number of harm events occurring in obstetrics warranted action. With this need identified, the decision was made to implement a simulation-based training program to improve participants' knowledge and confidence in their ability to intervene and manage obstetric emergencies. Project feedback from all participants i the simulation-based training program revealed a favorable climate for division-wide implementation.