Organisations join forces on new research project
Bristol-based business Limbs & Things has partnered with the PROMPT (Practical Obstetric Multi Professional Training) Maternity Foundation (PMF) to create a new research fellowship.
Obstetric registrar, Dr Katherine Lattey, is currently seconded to the UK-based charity and will be the first fellow in the new collaboration between the two organisations.
The PROMPT Maternity Foundation and Limbs & Things have been working together informally for many years to develop simulation models and training tools to improve care for women and babies during obstetric emergencies.
Katherine is currently leading the production of multi-media training materials for PROMPT’s Global training programme as well as running hands-on simulation training with Limbs & Things’ world leading PROMPT Flex birthing simulator. The simulator was developed with the PROMPT team and is an integral part of training in the management of shoulder dystocia that has been associated with important improvements in outcomes for babies.
Professor Tim Draycott said: “In addition to our long history of collaborative innovation and research, PMF and Limbs & Things recognise the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of simulation training, both in the UK and globally.
“Using the PROMPT Flex birthing simulator, we have reduced birth related injuries and improved staff confidence. This is better for women, families, maternity teams, and the service. It has been particularly successful in reducing the risk of injury after shoulder dystocia; this is where the baby’s shoulder becomes impacted behind the mother’s pubic bone and may result in a nerve injury to the baby’s shoulder and arm if it is not managed correctly.
“More recently, we have co-developed new tools for training in the management of impacted foetal head at caesarean birth, which is a very important new issue in maternity care today. “
Limbs & Things commercial director, Anne Allin, said: “We believe the PROMPT Flex birthing simulator is the most effective, evidence-based model for training maternity professionals for birth emergencies on the market. It is also enormously popular with trainers and maternity teams in different clinical settings across the world.
“Working collaboratively with the PROMPT Maternity Foundation team, we have been able to adapt and improve the original trainer to respond to new and emerging emergencies, as well as preparing teams to manage births in the best way possible.
“It is a privilege to welcome Katherine into our research & development team and we look forward to working with her to continue to develop more critical modules to meet the demands of 21st-century maternity care.”
