The Birth Center at Boone County Hospital (BCH) has purchased two life-like manikin's that will make it possible for staff to experience different birthing scenarios, as well as care for a newborn firsthand.
Noelle is a life-size adult woman and a wireless maternal and neonatal interactive computer simulation system that is capable of doing many things such as: talking, breathing and giving birth to a baby. During labor, she can simulate different birthing situations such as a breech birth. Noelle has a pulse, a heartbeat and lung sounds. She can hemorrhage, have convulsions and will accept IVs and pain medication. In addition, she is fully responsive when transported from one area of the hospital to another.
Hands-on assessments and wireless computer monitors make it possible for staff to see Noelle’s progress, her vital signs, and any cardiac emergencies and delivery dilemmas. The instructor can control the monitors and Noelle’s responses through a wireless computer.
Each of Noelle’s deliveries can be precisely controlled while devices track student actions. Nine different birthing scenarios can take place. While she delivers, there is feedback on the position and the progress of the baby. The data is graphed and synchronized with the fetal monitor for debriefing and evaluation. The fetus is released on command after the instructor has observed and logged required competencies. Students are then able to complete delivery.
“Noelle makes it possible for staff to have hands-on training in various birthing situations,” says Denise Turner, Inpatient Services Director. “It adds another dimension to the kind of care we can provide. The fact that we now have an effective tool to consistently train with is invaluable.”
Pedi Blue Baby is used as a training tool for the care of a newborn and can simulate various neonatal birth complications. The baby makes breathing sounds, and his cheeks, hands and feet will turn blue if he’s having a stressful episode. If effective CPR is used, the blue coloring will go away.
Training instructors from BCH are Dena Sytsma, Heather Wilson, Peg King and Gina Wolter. Currently, they are training with Noelle and Pedi Blue, and entering different scenarios into the computer. In a couple of months the instructors trained in Noelle’s program will coordinate with OB, paramedics and Emergency Department staff to utilize Noelle for training and competency assessment.
Pictured, left to right: Dena Sytsma, Heather Wilson, Peg King, Gina Wolter