TIPQC SIMULATION TRAININGS:
JUNE 22-24, 2021
The Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) began a new project to provide education and simulation training to all Tennessee local hospital maternal and infant clinical staff through a train the trainer model to improve outcomes for mothers and babies in Tennessee. With 49 hospitals participating, the maternal & infant simulation trainings were held in Nashville on June 22-24, 2021. Hypertension & hemorrhage simulation training will support standardization of hospital protocols and education surrounding two of the leading causes of severe maternal morbidity. Likewise, focused efforts on improving care in the seconds after birth for an infant can save a life and prevent future problems. Dr. Scott Guthrie, Infant Medical Director for TIPQC and a state leader on this project, states that: “We want all of our birthing hospitals to be prepared to deal with difficult problems whether that is with the mother or the baby. One of the best ways to do this is with simulation. We want to give the tools and the training needed to help every hospital in Tennessee be ready when one of these tough situations comes through the door.”
One hundred forty-one (141) nurses, providers, emergency departments, emergency departments, nurse educators, clinical managers, transport coordinators and hospital educators spent the day learning how to facilitate simulation training at their hospitals—to be better prepared for emergencies—as well as meet the Joint Commission requirements. Didactic presentations followed by hands-on experience highlighted the training.
Dr. Connie Graves, statewide obstetrical leader of this project states, “Simulation training has proven to be beneficial in improving outcomes of high-risk pregnancy conditions. Standardization of treatment and protocols has been shown to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity in all patients with the largest improvement in outcomes in women of color. United HealthCare’s decision to support a statewide simulation effort means that we can improve care for all pregnancies across the state of Tennessee and decrease disparities for both mother and babies.”