ROUTINE: Pilot Testing of a Simulation Course for Emergencies in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Masaryk University, in cooperation with partners from the Medical University of Vienna, Dresden University of Technology, and University Medical Centre Maribor, has launched pilot testing of an innovative educational program developed under the Erasmus+ project ROUTINE (KA220-VET). The project aims to enhance patient safety through a standardized simulation course focused on managing emergencies in obstetrics and gynecology.
Masaryk University, in cooperation with partners from the Medical University of Vienna, Dresden University of Technology, and University Medical Centre Maribor, has launched pilot testing of an innovative educational program developed under the Erasmus+ project ROUTINE (KA220-VET). The project aims to enhance patient safety through a standardized simulation course focused on managing emergencies in obstetrics and gynecology.
Emergency situations in obstetrics and gynecology are rare but highly risky. They require rapid decision-making, precise procedures, and flawless teamwork. Traditional textbook learning or clinical practice alone cannot fully prepare healthcare professionals for these critical moments. Simulation training offers a safe environment where teams can practice not only technical skills but also essential non-technical competencies such as communication and decision-making under pressure.
The course offers a two-day program focused on the seven most important emergency scenarios in the field. It includes realistic simulations using advanced technology, e-learning modules to prepare participants beforehand, and standardized debriefing procedures to identify performance gaps and improve teamwork.
The first pilot testing took place on October 14–15 at the Simulation Center of the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, with experts from partner institutions. The goal was to verify the course’s effectiveness, gather feedback, and fine-tune details before its implementation in practice. The course will subsequently be tested at partner institutions in Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
The pilot testing itself was conducted by participants from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital Brno and Masaryk University, while international partners observed the course from a secondary debriefing room and later discussed necessary adjustments and improvements. The program also featured three skill stations—one prepared by Masaryk University, one by the University of Vienna, and one by the University of Dresden. This collaborative approach enabled all participants to broaden their expertise by learning from the experiences of colleagues from different countries.
“The pilot testing and feedback were extremely valuable in shaping the final version of the course. Participants appreciate the realistic scenarios, the opportunity to safely practice handling critical situations, and especially the instructor-led discussions, which greatly enhance team collaboration. I would like to thank our entire international team and the Department of Simulation Medicine and Simulation Centre, Masaryk University for their excellent cooperation on this project,” said the project leader Emil Havránek.
The ROUTINE project represents an important step toward modernizing healthcare education and improving patient safety across Europe.
