Quality Improvement Through Perinatal Simulation (QIPS)
Simulation is an advanced modality for improving group dynamics and building a more effective team. A wider breadth of medical crisis scenarios can be recreated using a high fidelity simulation mannequin in a safe, flexible and realistic teaching environment.
Simulation training is a great complement to traditional techniques such as textbook, lecture and computer-based learning. This gives both the novice and experienced medical professional a comprehensive learning experience that more completely increases their scope of knowledge and hands-on skills.
Teams that work together can greatly improve outcomes over groups that are simply together working.
Benefits of Simulation Training
Historically, teamwork and crisis management were difficult concepts to teach and evaluate in a quantifiable manner. Optimal patient outcomes, however, have always depended on a team’s knowledge, efficiency and ability to work together. Through simulation, a health care team can learn the physiologic components of crisis management. They can also improve technical skills, equipment knowledge and develop the leadership and teamwork needed to successfully deliver exceptional health care.
Obstetrics is a high-risk specialty in which emergencies are, to some extent, inevitable. Training staff to manage these emergencies is a fundamental principle of risk management.
Traditional risk management strategies based on incident reporting and event analysis are reactive and not always effective. Simulation-based training is an appropriate proactive approach to reducing the errors and risks inherent in obstetrics. Teamwork and communication will also improve while simultaneously giving the students a multiplicity of transferable skills to advance their personal performance.
The QIPS Program
The QIPS team is comprised of experience neonatal and maternal educators from SSM Health Women’s Health.
The QIPS team will put health care providers through emergency situations in real time using the Birthing Simulator Victoria™ S2200 and the Laerdal Medical SimNewB. These state-of-the-art simulators are fully responsive with life-like behaviors and reactions. Some of the high-risk scenarios that can be presented include shoulder dystocia, hemorrhage, breech delivery, eclampsia and emergency C-section.
Simulation training enhances team dynamics, builds confidence and enhances skills in a risk-free environment. Multi-disciplinary simulation training allows health care providers to acquire cognitive, technical and behavioral skills to manage crises, avoid adverse events and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Funding for the Quality Improvement through Perinatal Simulation program is provided in part by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Continuing Education Credit
SSM Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SSM Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.0 ANCC Contact Hours.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the QIPS program or want to schedule a simulation, please call the Perinatal Outreach Education team at 314-577-5317.