Reducing Perineal Lacerations Through Team-Based Simulation.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal deliveries that result in perineal trauma involve significant morbidity to women. Multiple strategies have been identified to reduce the risk of severe perineal lacerations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interprofessional simulation-based teams-training program aimed at reducing severe perineal lacerations during childbirth. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-post single-group design was used to examine the performance of labor and delivery personnel at a large multihospital system after participating in a mixed-modality simulation program for reducing perineal lacerations. Multiple educational strategies aimed at management of second stage of labor (including laboring down, warm compresses, coaching, positioning, perineal support, controlled delivery of fetal head, and mediolateral episiotomy techniques) were taught using patients, task trainers, and a standardized curriculum during interprofessional educational sessions. Primary study outcomes were as follows: (a) pre-post differences in knowledge; (b) pre-post differences in team performance assessments; and (c) pre-post differences in safety culture. Secondary outcomes were severe perineal laceration rates. RESULTS: During an 18-month period, 675 personnel in 4 hospitals participated in the program. Significant improvement was noted in pre-post scores of knowledge (59.86%, 93.87%, P < 0.0001), performance (36.54%, 93.45%, P < 0.0001), and safety culture (3.24, 1.45, 1 = high, 5 = low, P < 0.0001). Severe perineal laceration rates decreased by 33.38% since initiation. Rates fluctuated with the addition of new personnel and renewed educational programs. CONCLUSIONS: A multimodal interprofessional simulation program of strategies to prevent severe perineal lacerations significantly improved knowledge, skills, and attitudes in labor and delivery personnel within a healthcare system. Severe perineal laceration rates were reduced.

Pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy affecting pregnancy. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or in the first postpartum year. Because PABC is a relatively rare event surrounded by multiple variables, few studies address the best management and treatment options. We present a case of PABC to illustrate and highlight some of the recommendations for treatment, obstetric care, delivery management, and cancer surveillance.