Project outline
Complications of childbirth can cause distress to families and are a major source of claims to the VMIA. Ineffective teamwork is widely recognised as a significant causative factor in obstetrics incidents. This is further compounded by fragmented training for the multidisciplinary team involved in childbirth.
PROMPT is an in-situ multidisciplinary teamwork training program, based on life-like simulation designed to respond and manage obstetric emergencies. Midwives, obstetricians and anaesthetists participate together in simulation training to improve their skills in responding to common obstetrics emergencies.
VicPROMPT Pilot
A two year (2010-2012) pilot study of eight hospitals was completed recently in Victoria (VicPROMPT). Eight maternity hospitals in Victoria participated in the study- Angliss, Ballarat, Barwon, Box Hill, Casey, Dandenong, Healesville and Monash Medical Centre. The data has shown significant improvements in a number of key clinical indicators.
Objectives of the PROMPT Program (2013-2015)
In view of the significant improvements shown in the VicPROMPT pilot study, further study on the benefits of the PROMPT program is being tested on additional hospitals, which takes into consideration criteria that contribute to more effective implementation of the program.
The key objectives of the PROMPT Program are to improve perinatal outcomes by:
- Improving teamwork and communication of the multi-professional team in delivery suite
- Improving maternity staff emergency management skills in a simulated environment
The PROMPT Program
The program provides simulated common and rare emergencies in maternity care, including post-partum haemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, cord prolapse, breech birth and pre-eclampsia, with a focus on reducing decision time to operative delivery of the deteriorating or at risk neonate. Skills development in communication and collaboration within the team is an essential component.
The program undertakes ‘train the trainers’ model (T3 team). Course participants who undergo T3 team facilitators training are then able to run PROMPT workshops ‘in house’ as part of the staff professional development program. The program is intended to be conducted on an annual basis.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), with the assistance of Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) have secured the licence to run PROMPT within Australia and New Zealand. The course is currently being offered in Western Australia and New Zealand.
Hospitals involved in the PROMPT Program (2013-2015)
Six hospitals in Victorian metropolitan and large regional areas were selected through expression of interest approach addressing seven key selection criteria that have been identified to contribute to more effective implementation of the program.
The hospitals selected are: Sandringham Hospital (Alfred Health), Mercy Hospital for Women (Mercy Health), Sunshine Hospital (Western Health), Mildura Base Hospital, South West Healthcare, and Goulburn Valley Health.