Obstetrical Simulation Drills: A Cultural Change in Communication and Practice Environment: An Interdepartmental Learning Project
Start Date
5-19-2012 10:15 AM
End Date
5-19-2012 10:30 AM
Description
As a department that is constantly reliant on interdepartmental interactions, we have implemented simulation training for nurses and house staff for Labor & Delivery, High Risk Antepartum, and the Postpartum areas over a 3 year period. We subjectively acknowledge the value of the process for our staff and units, but have never formally measured outcomes to support this practice. We believe simulations are a valuable component of learning for our staff and believe there is opportunity to address team functionality and identification of and resolution of system issues. The overall goal is to improve the obstetrical practice environment.
We utilized safety attitude questionnaire results compiled through the Hospital Risk Management Department to survey the overall climate of the work environment. Drills are conducted every 6 weeks on one of the obstetrical care areas. Sessions are videotaped and used for immediate debriefing conducted at the end of each drill. Clinical knowledge / performance of the emergent scenario as well as teamwork and communication processes are evaluated. Participants are asked to complete a drill evaluation. Designated observers summarize drill activities with specific emphasis on strengths as well as growth opportunities in the following areas:
· Mutual support
· Communication
· Situation monitoring
· Leadership
· System issues
Unresolved system issues are communicated in a monthly interdepartmental forum to seek guidance and resolution.
A resurvey of the safety attitude questionnaire is underway and will be compared to the initial findings. In addition, interest sparked by staff concerning patient safety, teamwork, and communication has evolved into a Balanced Score Card Patient Safety Initiative: Life Wings. This project is a pilot program to implement concepts of crew resource management to improve interdepartmental communication, optimize quality and safety of patient care, and ultimately reduce malpractice risk.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will:
- Discuss the impact of simulation training on the clinical practice environment.
- Identify the benefits of similar program implementation in their clinical setting.
Obstetrical Simulation Drills: A Cultural Change in Communication and Practice Environment: An Interdepartmental Learning Project
As a department that is constantly reliant on interdepartmental interactions, we have implemented simulation training for nurses and house staff for Labor & Delivery, High Risk Antepartum, and the Postpartum areas over a 3 year period. We subjectively acknowledge the value of the process for our staff and units, but have never formally measured outcomes to support this practice. We believe simulations are a valuable component of learning for our staff and believe there is opportunity to address team functionality and identification of and resolution of system issues. The overall goal is to improve the obstetrical practice environment.
We utilized safety attitude questionnaire results compiled through the Hospital Risk Management Department to survey the overall climate of the work environment. Drills are conducted every 6 weeks on one of the obstetrical care areas. Sessions are videotaped and used for immediate debriefing conducted at the end of each drill. Clinical knowledge / performance of the emergent scenario as well as teamwork and communication processes are evaluated. Participants are asked to complete a drill evaluation. Designated observers summarize drill activities with specific emphasis on strengths as well as growth opportunities in the following areas:
· Mutual support
· Communication
· Situation monitoring
· Leadership
· System issues
Unresolved system issues are communicated in a monthly interdepartmental forum to seek guidance and resolution.
A resurvey of the safety attitude questionnaire is underway and will be compared to the initial findings. In addition, interest sparked by staff concerning patient safety, teamwork, and communication has evolved into a Balanced Score Card Patient Safety Initiative: Life Wings. This project is a pilot program to implement concepts of crew resource management to improve interdepartmental communication, optimize quality and safety of patient care, and ultimately reduce malpractice risk.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will:
- Discuss the impact of simulation training on the clinical practice environment.
- Identify the benefits of similar program implementation in their clinical setting.
