Evaluating the Effect of Interdisciplinary Simulation Training on Provider Comfort in the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) in a Low-Resource Setting [ID: 1363496]

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Maternal mortality from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) can be reduced through timely management. Interdisciplinary simulation-based training (SBT) has been shown to improve team response to PPH, but SBT is not widely available in low-resource settings. The purpose of this study is to assess the acceptability of SBT and its effect on interdisciplinary personnel’s self-efficacy in a low-resource setting. METHODS: A pilot low-fidelity PPH SBT program using PRONTOPack was conducted from November 2021 to September 2022 after an initial audit revealed inadequate training at a public teaching hospital with the highest national maternal mortality rate in the Dominican Republic. Thirty interdisciplinary providers were trained in two cohorts. Self-efficacy was assessed via anonymous, postsimulation surveys. RESULTS: One hundred percent of providers reported that the SBT was an effective form of training that will help them manage PPH in the future. In the first cohort (n=7), providers reported high comfort with their teamwork (4.57/5 S 0.49) and communication skills (4.29/5 S 0.45) after SBT. In the second cohort (n=23), 100% of trainees agreed that SBT improved their ability to communicate effectively, work in teams, and manage PPH. CONCLUSION: Low-fidelity interdisciplinary SBT was found to be useful in improving trainees’ self-perceived nontechnical skills in the management of PPH. Most notably, communication skills were improved between providers that routinely manage real-time PPHs in clinical practice. Next steps are to integrate and standardize SBT into the obstetric department’s workflow to train all personnel managing PPHs.