Effects of One-day Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics Course for Family Medicine Residents

Anna M Squibb¹*, Laura Chambers-Kersh², Kelly M Everard³, Jasmine Rockhold⁴ and Courtney Clayton^2
1Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio
²Soin Family Medicine Residency, Kettering Health Network, Dayton Ohio
³Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri
⁴Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
*Corresponding Author: Anna Murley Squibb, M.D., FAAFP, ABPM, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton Ohio.

Published: June 27, 2024

DOI: 10.55162/MCMS.07.223

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Abstract  

Objective: The Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) course was designed as a two-day interprofessional course to equip participants to manage various low frequency obstetrical emergencies nationally and internationally. It is used nationally by numerous Family Medicine Residency programs to improve safety in maternity care, optimize team-based care, and showcase obstetrical care by family physicians. In 2017, the course was redesigned into a one-day course, yet the outcomes of this new course design have not been examined. This study assessed non-inferiority for confidence in managing emergencies and skills before and after the single day ALSO course.

Methods: Participants completed questionnaires before and immediately following ALSO training assessing confidence managing OB emergencies: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, malpresentations/malposition/multiple gestations, assisted vaginal delivery, shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal resuscitation/trauma. A Likert scale was used with response choices ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5) for each item.

Results: Over three sessions, 69 participants received ALSO training (49 pre-surveys and 36 post-surveys completed). Of the participants, 24 (51.0%) were first year residents, 6 (12.2%) were second year residents, 5 (10.2%) were third year residents, 6 (6.1%) were attending physicians, 3 (6.1%) were nurses, 1 (2.0%) midwife, and 6 (12.2%) were medical students. Total confidence managing individual conditions increased significantly from pre- to post-survey (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The one day ALSO course demonstrates improved confidence in obstetrical emergencies immediately after the course for all conditions. It is non-inferior to the previous 2- day training course.

Keywords: Family Medicine Obstetrics; Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics

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