Using Emergency Obstetric Drills in Maternity Units as a Performance Improvement Tool |
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Authors: | Hibah Osman MD MPH Oona M. R Campbell PhD Anwar H Nassar MD |
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Affiliation: | 1. 1Hibah Osman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Education and Family Medicine at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon;2. 2Oona Ccampbell is a Professor in the Division of Maternal Child Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom;3. and 3Anwar Nassar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT: Background: Obstetric drills are being used increasingly to test, improve, and maintain knowledge and skills related to obstetric emergencies as a means to improve proficiency and efficiency of practitioners. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and usefulness of conducting drills to evaluate the response to obstetric emergencies using a holistic approach that tested the hospital system. Methods: A prospective trial was conducted at three hospitals (two tertiary referral centers and one small community hospital) in Beirut, Lebanon. Two different emergency obstetric drills at two points in time were conducted between April and May 2006 either in the emergency room or on the labor floor. The drills included medical and paramedical staff, a female actor (simulating a pregnant woman), a research assistant (acting as her companion), and a physician trained in obstetrics (the drill leader). Responses were recorded and critically analyzed. Results: Although overall quality of care was within standards of care, problems were identified related to hospital policies, supplies and equipment, communication, and clinical management. Some technical problems related to administration of the drills were identified. Most drill participants appreciated the exercise and found it beneficial. Conclusions: Obstetric drills provide a useful tool to identify and address deficiencies in the hospital system. This finding could have implications on improving quality of care provided to obstetric patients. (BIRTH 36:1 March 2009) |
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Keywords: | drills obstetric emergencies team response |
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