Virtual Obstetric Emergency Simulations: Enhancing Knowledge, Skills, and Confidence of Emergency Medicine and Obstetric Professionals

Background: Between 2008-2016, 23% of pregnancy-related deaths in Ohio occurred in an emergency department (ED) or outpatient setting. Prior research showed 98% of Ohio’s delivery hospitals conduct obstetric (OB) emergency simulations, while only 30% include ED staff. The goal of the grant was to increase knowledge, skill, and self-efficacy of emergency medicine (EM) professionals in managing OB emergencies. In addition to EM professionals, there was high interest by obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and other professionals in the course. Therefore, the goal of the project was to increase these elements for all professionals including EM and non-EM professionals in managing OB emergencies. Methods: Twelve virtual training courses using simulated patient encounters and video-based skills training were conducted across Ohio on the management of OB emergencies. Scenarios focused on common causes of pregnancy-related death using data from the Ohio Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review (PAMR) committee. Pre- and post-tests assessed training effectiveness. Results: Between August 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023, 258 learners completed the course. Most were female (76.76%), White (90.61%), and under 45 years old (69.40%). Most (66.49%) were from EM, followed by OB/GYN (18.09%), and other specialties (15.43%) including family medicine and Pediatric EM. Most worked in hospital settings (89.19%). Learners reported a median 10.00 (IQR 15.00) years in clinical practice. Overall, mean knowledge scores increased by 0.81 (95% CI 0.62, 1.01), after the course (p<0.001). Mean knowledge scores increased by 0.90 (95% CI 0.64, 1.16; p<0.001), 0.67 (95% CI 0.24, 1.09; p=0.003), and 0.60 (95% CI 0.16, 1.04; p=0.01) for those from EM, OB/GYN, and other specialties, respectively. Median scores for reported self-efficacy increased by 24.00 (IQR 22.33) and self-reported skills increased by 30.42 (IQR 22.83) points (p<0.001). Conclusion: Virtual simulations can be effective in improving EM, OB, and other professionals’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-reported skills in managing OB emergencies.