F9 - Interprofessional In Situ Sims: Implementing a Post-Partum Hemorrhage Protocol & Improving System Processes

Abstract : Introduction A new Postpartum Hemorrhage protocol to decrease postpartum mortality rates was to be implemented at a local hospital. Many disciplines are needed to safely manage care of postpartum hemorrhagic patients. Often times, healthcare staff have limited opportunities to participate in simulation-enhanced interprofessional education (IPE). The purpose of the IPE sim was to test and evaluate implementation of a new Postpartum Hemorrhage protocol and hospital processes that are initiated along with the protocol. The overall goal was to improve collaboration, communication, team performance, and role clarity amongst the interprofessional team members. The Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®, and Knowle’s Adult Learning and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theories guided the development, implementation, and evaluation of the IPE sim.
Method There was a total of forty staff (nurses, nursing assistants, hospital operators, residents, midwives, OB attendings, CRNAs, and anesthesiologists) that participated in eight in situ sims on an OB unit. A clinical nurse educator and certified healthcare simulation educator facilitated the sims. Task trainers and a standardized patient was utilized to increase fidelity. Staff participated in prebriefing activities and debriefings using the Plus/Delta framework.
Results The positive results of the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified and lessons learned will be discussed. As a result of the evaluation of the protocol, system improvements were made to prevent patient care delays.
Conclusion The simulation allowed the IPE team to practice improving patient care and communication before an actual emergency occurred. The sim further supports the use of simulation to test and evaluate systematic processes within hospitals.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: During development of a new hemorrhage protocol for an OB unit, a clinical nurse educator and a simulationist collaborated to develop and implement an IPE simulation. Forty interprofessionals participated in high fidelity simulations to trial the implementeation of the new protocol. The simulation allowed the interprofessional team to collaborate improving teamwork and communication and improvement in hospital systems before the go-live date of the protocol.