Clinical risk management in obstetrics: eclampsia drills.
OBJECTIVE
Infrequent presentation of patients with eclampsia, leading to staff inexperienced in the condition and untested emergency systems.


METHODS
"Fire drill" programme using on-site simulation of patients with eclampsia.


METHODS
Tertiary referral obstetric unit.


METHODS
Successful implementation of measures to optimise management of eclampsia.


METHODS
Rapid activation of emergency team after one call, development and dissemination of evidence based protocol for eclampsia, strategically placed "eclampsia boxes," individual staff feedback and education.


RESULTS
Efficient and appropriate management of subsequent simulated patients.


CONCLUSIONS
On-site simulation can identify and correct potential deficiencies in the care of patients with eclampsia.
Thompson
Sarah
S
Department of Anaesthetics, St George Hospital, Kograh 2217 Sydney, Australia. sarahathompson@hotmail.com
Neal
Shona
S
Clark
Vicki
V
D004461:Eclampsia / Q000628:therapy*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D004638:Emergency Treatment; D005260:Female; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D016544:Patient Simulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods*