Clinical risk management in obstetrics: eclampsia drills.

Abstract

Infrequent presentation of patients with eclampsia, leading to staff inexperienced in the condition and untested emergency systems. "Fire drill" programme using on-site simulation of patients with eclampsia. Tertiary referral obstetric unit. Successful implementation of measures to optimise management of eclampsia. 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. Efficient and appropriate management of subsequent simulated patients. On-site simulation can identify and correct potential deficiencies in the care of patients with eclampsia.