The United States ranks 65th among industrialized nations in maternal death rates, with postpartum hemorrhage as the leading cause of maternal morbidity. To improve outcomes, obstetrical emergencies need a coordinated, multidisciplinary team response. Each obstetrical unit must have a well-designed plan and the tools to guide team members, especially given current staffing challenges.
To prepare for maternal emergencies, WSHA is offering simulations to all member hospitals, regardless of whether they have obstetric services, as non-obstetric hospital emergency departments may encounter patients with obstetric care needs. This offering is made possible by a grant that lasts through September 2025.
After a facility-specific readiness assessment and gap analysis, Amy Anderson, WSHA’s director of opioid harm prevention and hospital quality, will assist members in developing a strategic plan. This includes mapping out a strategy for plan implementation and coordinating simulations, all free of charge through the end of the grant.
Island Hospital in Anacortes recently conducted a series of successful simulations involving over 60 clinicians, ranging from patient care technicians to the chief medical officer. These interdisciplinary simulations, held over two days, were crucial for enhancing teamwork and communication skills. Senior leadership’s engagement was key to these simulations’ success, which received excellent feedback from participants. The team is excited for the next round of simulations before the grant is completed on Sept. 30, 2025.
The hope for these simulations, in addition to boosting the overall health and well-being of patients, is to help address the racial, ethnic and geographic disparities that harm maternal health. Black and Indigenous women die from pregnancy-related causes at 2-3 times the rate of their White, Asian Pacific Islander and Hispanic counterparts. Pregnant women in rural communities are at higher risk for severe maternal morbidity, and they are 60% more likely to die before, during or after delivery than those in urban settings.
Simulations offer caregivers hands-on experience to ensure patients receive top-quality care no matter their background or hometown.
For more information or to enroll, please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Amy Anderson
Director, Opioid Harm Prevention and Hospital Quality
Amya@wsha.org
