Alfred Health News

The program was developed in the United Kingdom in 2000 and is aimed at improving perinatal outcomes, knowledge, clinical skills and teamwork in maternity wards. 

Clinical midwifery educator Anne Wardley, is leading the program. She explained that the implementation of the PROMPT program is unique because it trains the entire team of doctors, midwives and anaesthetists together, rather than as individuals.  

“Usually midwives are just involved in these types of programs, so it’s nice to be able to train with the whole team. This way if an emergency does occur, then we are all used to working together and know exactly what to do,” Anne explained.  

A pilot study of the program at eight Victorian hospitals in 2012 showed a significant improvement in a number of key clinical outcomes, such as team culture, better policies and perception of clinical safety by staff. 

“PROMPT focuses on teamwork, communication, leadership and increasing awareness of possible emergency situations. By using PROMPT we are ensuring that when an emergency does occur, we are as prepared as possible and able to produce a favourable outcome,” Anne added. 

“By providing this training, we are hoping to improve safety and increase staff communication and skills in managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies.” The project will be delivered over two years and evaluated to determine its success.