Training of postgraduate year 2 critical care pharmacists in care of the obstetric patient.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to characterize the current state of training in the care of critically ill obstetric patients for postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) critical care pharmacy residents across the US. Additionally, we sought to compare the level of comfort in caring for these patients between those who received training during their residency and those who did not.

Methods: This was a descriptive analysis of the training provided to PGY2 critical care pharmacy residents. Two surveys were sent to residency program directors (RPDs) and to current residents and recent graduates of PGY2 critical care pharmacy training programs.

Results: A total of 44 RPDs responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 9.1% indicated that their program has an obstetrics rotation while 65.9% of programs include case reviews or topic discussions. Forty-two current residents and recent graduates of PGY2 critical care pharmacy training programs responded to the survey. Of those who responded, 23.8% indicated that they had a formal rotation experience. The median comfort level in care of critically ill obstetric patients was significantly higher for pharmacists who had received training vs those who had not (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: These survey results highlight an opportunity for more thorough training in care of critically ill obstetric patients for PGY2 critical care pharmacy residents. This training is associated with increased comfort level in caring for these complex patients.