Fellow Physician University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, United States
Objective: Following the implementation of restrictive abortion legislation in Texas, healthcare providers anticipate a rise in pregnancy-related complications, including maternal trauma. Given the rarity of severe, life-threatening trauma during pregnancy, resident exposure to its management is limited. To address this educational gap, a multidisciplinary simulation-based training and educational curriculum was developed to improve resident familiarity with the management of trauma in pregnancy.
Study Design: Residents from a single academic institution participated in a didactic lecture followed by a multidisciplinary, low-fidelity simulation of maternal trauma. The simulation was conducted in a functioning trauma bay and included collaboration among nursing staff, residents, faculty, and medical students from pediatrics, emergency medicine, trauma surgery, anesthesia, and obstetrics. Participants completed a knowledge assessment both before and after the simulation.
Results: A total of 30 residents completed both pre- and post-simulation assessments. Prior to the intervention, 57.2% correctly identified the components of the primary and secondary survey, 71.5% understood the modifications required for trauma resuscitation during pregnancy, and 42.9% were unaware of the preferred abdominal entry method for surgical intervention. Following the educational session and simulation, 80% of participants accurately described the primary and secondary survey components, 90% could articulate the adaptations necessary for resuscitation in pregnancy, and 86% correctly identified the optimal surgical approach in maternal trauma.
Conclusion: Simulation-based training significantly improved resident knowledge and preparedness for managing maternal trauma. Low-fidelity, interdisciplinary simulation serves as a valuable educational tool to address training gaps and may contribute to improved outcomes in the care of pregnant trauma patients.
