Due to a generous grant from United Healthcare, TIPQC is launching a new initiative aimed at improving maternal & neonatal outcomes. The Simulation Arm will be a part of TIPQC projects, as much as possible in the future as well.
To kick off this SIMS Arm, 49 birthing hopsital team trainers will be meeting in Nashville for a one day training June 22-24, to train under 16 state and nationally recognized SIMS faculty. Both maternal hypertension and hemorrhage will be addressed in this SIMS training, the top two causes in Tennessee for maternal deaths, according to the TDH MMR. While less than 1% of all deliveries require extensive infant resuscitation, preparing the various providers to do things correctly and function as a team during these high stress events is an important task. This effort will specifically focus on how to begin or improve a simulation training program in hospitals throughout the state.
What can be expected when this program is implemented?
A recent systematic review published in Pediatrics found that regular simulation training improves team performance and technical performance and this is maintained if the providers have repeated exposure to simulation every 3 to 6 months. While data is limited on whether these improved team and technical skills improve outcomes, this would be expected and is one thing this project will try to demonstrate.
Participating hospitals will receive the equipment needed to start or improve a simulation program and training on scenarios where team and technical skills can be taught. Trainers will also receive important tips on how to do this effectively so they can demonstrate their team’s growth and improvement and know they are ready when the next crisis occurs.
