THISTLE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Trial of Hands-on Interprofessional Simulation Training for Local Emergencies.
IRAS ID
134679
Contact name
Siladitya Bhattacharya
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Research summary
Safety in labour is a priority for women, their families and the NHS. Over half of poor pregnancy outcomes in the UK could be prevented with better maternity care. These failings have a significant impact on families, the NHS, and health and social costs. A multi-professional, inexpensive obstetric emergencies training course was developed in Bristol (PRactical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training - PROMPT). Its use in selected units was associated with local improvements in several clinically important new born outcomes; including a 48% reduction in Apgar<7 and a reduction in clinical error. It is important to find out whether these improvements are seen when PROMPT is used across numerous maternity units. The 5-minute Apgar<7 rate (a routine clinical assessment of the infant’s condition after birth) is an important measure of maternity care associated with a considerably higher rate of cerebral palsy in later life, and can be improved by training. ISD SMR 02 pilot data shows that Scotland has a high rate of Apgar<7. The aim is to determine if PROMPT is clinically effective across a health service, using 5-minute Apgar<7 in term infants as the outcome measure. The intervention - 2 day PROMPT Train the Trainers (T3) programme - includes a demonstration PROMPT Course, a Train-the-Trainers (T3) day and use of the PROMPT Course-in-a-box. It will be performed in collaboration with Scottish Core Obstetric Teaching and Training in Emergencies. The stepped wedge randomised trial design involves a phased introduction of the PROMPT package to maternity units over various time periods. By the end of the study, all units (in groups) will have received the intervention, although the order it is received is determined at random. Four designated trainers from each unit will undertake PROMPT and then train all local maternity staff. During step 0 (baseline measurement period) none of the clusters receive training.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
13/NS/0111
Date of REC Opinion
13 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion