Aviation-Modeled Investigation of Significant Obstetric Events

In this research, the authors attempted to ascertain whether or not the Root Cause Analysis Event Support and Engagement Team (RESET) investigates the use of U.S. Army aviation-based techniques by staff members or organizations in which serious obstetrical events have occurred. Root cause analysis (RCA), originating in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, attempts to elucidate an underlying cause of a problem. Most recently, this process has been applied to the investigation of medical error. RESET was established in order to perform centralized investigation of significant medical error within U.S. Army medical and dental treatment facilities based on request from a hospital commander or general officer. Significant obstetric events are high profile, discussed in multiple safety forums, and an area of close RESET focus. Yet it is unclear if RESET investigates the use of aviation-based techniques by staff and/or organizations involved in serious obstetrical events. Therefore the present survey study was conducted.

A structured, anonymous, voluntary survey was fielded to RESET staff in order to assess whether or not the RESET investigates the use of aviation-based techniques by staff members or organizations in which serious obstetrical events have occurred.

Five of six members of this small team completed the survey. Prebriefs, debriefs, and checklist use were consistently investigated. The employment of a sterile cockpit, first-name introductions, annual check ride, and emergency procedure rehearsal were infrequently investigated.

Obstetric RESET investigations inconsistently ascertain whether or not some of the aviation-based techniques are utilized by staff members or organizations in which serious obstetrical events have occurred. Standardization of investigative procedures and education directed at under-investigated practices may optimize medical investigation using proven tenets of an aviation-based approach.