Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/128836
Anesthesiologist Dr. Paul Kliffer (left) and nurse Isabelle Baribeau (right) practise emergency obstetric procedures using computer automated mannequins. Training BC Women's medical teams to achieve new levels of excellence in managing emergencies. By Ann Collette Photography by BRIAN HOWELL W e are what we repeatedly do," observed Aristotle. "Excellence is not an act, but a habit." There's no question that this belief strikes a chord with Dr. Dorothy Shaw, VP Medical Affairs at BC Women's Hospital. For Shaw, making excellence a habit is the driving force behind a new staff education and patient safety initiative called MORE OB – Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently. When Seconds Count Critical communication While BC Women's already provides world-class obstetric care, Shaw says that she and her colleagues never stop looking for ways to make care even better and safer for patients, especially in emergency situations. "For instance, sometimes when you have a big baby, the head will be born but the shoulders get stuck, and that's an emergency," says Shaw. "In this scenario, you not only need to know what to do if you're doing the delivery, you need to know your role if you're the nurse or anesthetist or other support person. MORE OB allows us to define and practise those roles. Hands-on practice Good team communication is critical to delivering quality care, and especially in urgent situations. MORE OB was identified as an invaluable approach to enhancing both communication and practical skills. More than 300 staff members at BC Women's are currently enrolled in the MORE OB program, developed by the Society of Obstetricians/Gynaecologists of Canada. The three-year program comprises online components to enhance overall obstetric knowledge, together with workshops, skills drills and simulations that allow medical teams to understand how everyone has a critical role in their responses to obstetric emergencies. Ultimately, Shaw says MORE OB will help obstetric medical teams at BC Women's learn to work together even more confidently and cohesively, especially in tense situations, where knowledge, skill and quick action are critical to ensuring patient safety. "When you practice you know exactly what is going to work well," says Shaw, "and that means better outcomes for our patients." 10 WOMEN'S SPRING 2013 BCW-Spring 2013.indd 10 13-04-30 11:51 AM