Maternity Care Simulation in Rural Texas to Improve Clinician Knowledge and Skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Rural Health
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

Background:

• High maternal mortality in the US, particularly in rural areas with limited access to care.
• Rural clinicians face challenges maintaining obstetric skills due to low patient volumes and limited training.
• Need for improved obstetric education and emergency response in rural settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance obstetric knowledge and skills among rural clinicians through tailored education and simulations.
• To improve emergency response and team collaboration in rural maternity care settings.
• To address the specific needs of rural hospitals and maternity deserts.

Main Methods:

• Simulation-based perinatal education delivered by a nursing team to 10 rural facilities and emergency services.
• In situ, tailored simulations addressing obstetric emergencies based on facility staffing.
• Post-simulation surveys to evaluate participant understanding, recognition, communication, and collaboration.

Main Results:

• 48 participants reported significant improvements in understanding, recognition, communication, and preparedness for obstetric emergencies.
• Qualitative feedback highlighted increased confidence, knowledge, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Simulation education effectively met facility-specific needs, boosting engagement despite attendance challenges.

Conclusions:

• Perinatal outreach via specialized education and simulations boosts rural healthcare teams' confidence and competence in managing obstetric emergencies.
• Continuous reassessment and adaptation of educational programs are vital for sustained improvement in rural obstetric care.
• Enhanced preparedness and collaboration lead to better patient care and outcomes in rural maternity settings.