Obstetrical Readiness: Preparing Rural Emergency Departments Without Hospital-Based Obstetrical Services

In rural states, hospitals that provide birthing services are closing at an alarming rate, increasing the distance birthing people are traveling, rural Emergency Departments play a vital role in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary education and simulation with debriefing program was created to improve the care by non-obstetric providers for routine and emergent obstetrical care. The program includes monthly lectures, hands on skills training, and in-situ interdisciplinary simulations with debriefings to build a foundation of knowledge and skill for rural Emergency Department staff statewide.