Evidence Based Obstetric Emergency Team Training And Drills

Obstetrical emergencies occur in less than two percent of all pregnancies in the United States. These emergency situations are unanticipated and occur rapidly. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the most common obstetric emergencies in the United States are postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia. When these emergency medical situations occur, the entire medical team should respond immediately with precision and confidence. There is evidence to support planning and collaboration of interdisciplinary teams with ongoing education and training, leading to prompt recognition and response to critical situations, which can ultimately mitigate poor outcomes during obstetric emergencies. This capstone project implemented a standardized training for obstetric emergencies, specifically postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia, to include didactic education, simulation lab skills check off, initial and ongoing drills, and an annual unit-based skills fair presentation. This project increased knowledge and prepared the labor and delivery team for competency validation, both initially and ongoing, when responding to obstetric postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia emergencies. The incidence of obstetric emergencies, specifically postpartum hemorrhage and shoulder dystocia, cannot be altered by this project; however, increased staff knowledge and competence should improve patient outcomes.