Simulation Training to Improve Competency and Confidence at the University of California San Diego, Women and Infants Services

Abstract

Poster Presentation Purpose for the Program To improve nursing and health care provider staff competence and confidence in response to emergency events using simulation training events (STE). The initial data collected between 2011 and 2012 indicated that 70% of staff felt confident in participating in STEs; 62% demonstrated poor communication and slow response time in obstetric emergencies. No STEs were performed or offered, and no resident/intern/fellow and nursing staff participated in STEs. Proposed Change To increase physician/provider and nursing staff comprehension of simulation education and training along with demonstration of competency to improve patient safety in obstetrics (OB). Participant comprehension of simulation education and training will be demonstrated by a pretest and posttest. Participant competency will be demonstrated by improved response time and communication. Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation This program was implemented by the labor and delivery (LD at least an annual 5% increase was demonstrated regarding improved communication and response time in obstetric emergencies; 20 STE drills were conducted over the course of the year; and 90% of faculty and staff participated in a simulation training session within a year of evaluation. Implications for Nursing Practice Perinatal patient safety initiatives are of national interest. Collaboration among multidisciplinary providers and nursing staff is necessary, and improving communication and practicing emergency responses has been shown to improve outcomes. STEs have been shown to be a successful method to improve the response time, competence, confidence, and communication of teams. Because nursing staff spends the most time at the bedside and plays a major role identifying mother/infant decompensation, it is essential to maintain competence in emergency response.