Implementing E-Learning to Enhance the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Education Technology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Rising maternal morbidity and mortality in the US necessitates enhanced strategies for managing obstetric emergencies.
• Existing continuing education methods require augmentation to proactively support excellence in maternity care.
• Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of integrating an online, assessment-driven e-learning platform with established PPH management strategies.
• To determine if this blended approach improves perinatal outcomes related to postpartum hemorrhage.
• To enhance continuing education for maternity care providers and nurses.

Main Methods:

• A performance improvement project utilized the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement and Kirkpatrick model for evaluation.
• Maternity providers and nurses completed blended training: online modules for maternity emergencies, instructor-led courses, simulation, and TeamSTEPPS.
• A postpartum hemorrhage safety bundle was implemented; outcomes (hemorrhage, massive transfusion, ICU admission) were tracked via retrospective chart review.

Main Results:

• The overall rate of postpartum hemorrhage decreased by 3% (from 56.4/1,000 to 54.7/1,000 births).
• Median rates for massive transfusion decreased by 35% (from 2.3/1,000 to 1.5/1,000 births).
• Median maternal intensive care unit admission rates saw a significant 77% decrease (from 3.1/1,000 to 0.7/1,000 births), with 6 of the last 7 months showing zero admissions.

Conclusions:

• A multipronged approach, including an online e-learning platform for maternity emergencies, effectively improved the management of postpartum hemorrhage.
• The blended learning strategy contributed to significant reductions in severe maternal outcomes related to PPH.
• This model supports achieving excellence in PPH care through enhanced provider education and standardized safety bundles.