Effect of in situ simulation training for emergency caesarean section on maternal and infant outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Background Emergency caesarean section (ECS) is an effective method for rapid termination of pregnancy and for saving maternal and foetal life in emergencies. Experts recommend that the interval from decision of operation to the decision to delivery interval (DDI)should be shortened as much as possible. Studies have shown that improving communication skills among staff by performing simulation drills shortens DDI, thus reducing the occurrence of adverse obstetric events and protecting maternal and child safety. In situ simulation (ISS) training is a simulation-based training approach for clinical team members conducted in a real-world clinical setting. In August 2020, Anhui Maternal and Child Health Hospital began ISS training on the rapid obstetric response team (RRT) in our hospital area for emergency caesarean section. This study aimed to investigate the effect of implementing in situ simulation training for emergency caesarean section on maternal and child outcomes by comparing maternal and child-related data on emergency caesarean section in two hospital areas. Methods Data on cases of emergency caesarean delivery implemented in two hospital districts from August 2020 to August 2022 were collected: 19 in the untrained group and 26 in the training group. The two groups were compared concerning the interval from the decision of operation to the decision to delivery interval (DDI), the interval from the decision of operation to the initiation of skin removal, the interval from skin removal to the decision to delivery interval, and the neonatal situation. Results The interval between the start of DDI and the decision to cut skin was significantly shorter in the training group than in the untrained group (P < 0.01), the interval between cutting skin and feticide was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05), and the Apgar score at 1 minute after birth was higher in the training group than in the untrained group (P < 0.05). Conclusions The DDI for emergency caesarean section procedures can be significantly shortened, and neonatal Apgar scores improved by implementing in situ simulation training for emergency caesarean section in obstetric rapid response teams. In situ simulation training is an effective tool for training in emergency caesarean section procedures and is worth promoting.