[Validation of Code Red: a proposal for the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage]

Evaluate the effect of scenario-based simulation training and management guidelines on the prevention and treatment of obstetric hemorrhage.

This quasi-experimental before-and-after study measured the effect of an intervention that used simulation scenarios, together with the delivery of reminders as part of the strategy, to train health workers in the recognition and treatment of obstetric hemorrhage. The intervention consisted of two one-day training sessions conducted six months apart. The effect on patient management was evaluated by reviewing the patients' clinical histories 24 months before and 18 months after the intervention.

In tests administered to the group of health workers who received the training, their median grade increased from 55% correct answers before the training to 85% afterwards (P < 0,001). Before the training, there were 124 cases of hemorrhage (2.1%), whereas after the intervention the incidence fell to 86 (1.8%), representing a 16.5% decline (RR = 0.84; CI 95% = 0.6-1.1). The use of oxytocin increased from 58.3% to 74.1% (RR = 3; CI 95% = 1.0-1.6) and active monitoring during the immediate -puerperium rose from 5% to 36.5% (RR = 4; CI 95%: 3.0-18.1).

The intervention increased the use of beneficial practices for the prevention and early detection of hemorrhage, resulting in an improvement in the incidence of hemorrhage, although it was not statistically significant. It is essential to use simulation training on a regular basis, together with additional strategies adapted to local conditions and the circumstances of the particular group.