Obstetric simulation for a pandemic

Abstract

Objective: In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, guidelines and recommendations are rapidly evolving. Providers strive to provide safe high-quality care for their patients in the already high-risk specialty of Obstetrics while also considering the risk that this virus adds to their patients and themselves. From other pandemics, evidence exists that simulation is the most effective way to prepare teams, build understanding and confidence, and increase patient and provider safety.

Finding: Practicing in-situ multidisciplinary simulations in the hospital setting has illustrated key opportunities for improvement that should be considered when caring for a patient with possible COVID-19.

Conclusion: In the current COVID-19 pandemic, simulating obstetrical patient care from presentation to the hospital triage through postpartum care can prepare teams for even the most complicated patients while increasing their ability to protect themselves and their patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; obstetrics; simulation.