Multidisciplinary Programed Learning Simulation to Improve Visual Blood Loss Estimation for Obstetric Trauma...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• Visual estimation of blood loss is critical in obstetric emergencies.
• Anesthesiologists, ancillary staff, and surgeons require accurate blood loss quantification.
• A Programmed Learning Simulation (PLS) was developed to address this training need.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a PLS exercise for visual blood loss estimation in obstetric hemorrhage.
• To measure the efficacy of the PLS exercise in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involved 88 participants (physicians, residents, students, ancillary staff) in a PLS with simulated blood loss.
• Participants estimated blood loss in various scenarios, with percent error calculated.
• Clinical efficacy was assessed by comparing blood loss estimation errors in cesarean deliveries before and after the PLS intervention.

Main Results:

• The PLS showed no significant difference in estimation error across professions or experience levels.
• Participants were less accurate estimating smaller blood loss volumes compared to medium or large volumes (p<0.001).
• Post-intervention, mean provider error in estimating blood loss during cesarean deliveries significantly decreased from 47% to 31% (p=0.009).

Conclusions:

• The PLS effectively improved visual blood loss estimation skills.
• The training translated to improved accuracy in a clinical setting.
• Further research should evaluate the impact of simulation on patient outcomes, including morbidity and blood product utilization.