Evaluation of a simulation-based curriculum for implementing a new clinical protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of a new clinical protocol utilizing on-unit simulation for team training.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed at the obstetrics unit of Von Voightlander Women's Hospital, Michigan, USA, between October 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013. All members of the labor and delivery team were eligible for participation. Traditional education methods and in-situ multi-disciplinary simulations were used to educate labor and delivery staff. Following each simulation, participants responded to a survey regarding their experience. To evaluate the effect of the interventions, paging content was analyzed for mandated elements and adherence to operating room entry-time tracking was examined.

RESULTS: In total, 51 unique individuals participated in 12 simulations during a 6-month period. Simulation was perceived as a valuable activity and paging content improved. Following the intervention, the inclusion of a goal time for reaching the operation room increased from 7% to 61% of pages and the proportion of patients entering to operating room within 10 minutes of the stated goal increased from 67% to 85%.

CONCLUSION: The training program was well received, and the accuracy of the communication and the goal set for reaching the operating room improved.