Maternal Sepsis Online Simulation

How this simulation works

This browser-based scenario is built for remote multidisciplinary learning. It focuses on early recognition of maternal sepsis, prompt bundle-type treatment, obstetric-specific reassessment, ICU escalation, and avoiding reflex delivery before maternal stabilization when the fetal status is not the primary driver.

Recognition → screening Fluids + cultures + antibiotics End-organ assessment Vasopressor / ICU escalation Delivery planning in context

1. Recognition

2. Immediate treatment

3. Confirm sepsis

4. Shock escalation

5. Delivery / disposition

Clinical training platform controls

This version works fully without identifying information. Participant fields are optional and only enrich the exported record.

Participant name Role Employee / learner ID

Unit / department Case assignment label Facilitator / observer

Pre-simulation goals Supervisor / validator

End-of-simulation evaluation

Recognition

Treatment timing

Sepsis confirmation

Escalation

Communication / planning

Critical behavior checklist

Behavior	Status	Comment

Safety & treatment timing review

Element	Observed	Comment

Timeline

Facilitator debrief notes

Training record export

Participant: optional

Case label: pending

Outcome: pending

Tamper-evident signature

Will generate at simulation completion.

Participant attestation

Live coaching panel

Do not wait for fever if the patient is deteriorating and infection is plausible.
Use an obstetric-specific sepsis screen, then move quickly to end-organ assessment.
Begin cultures early, but do not let cultures delay antibiotics.
Initial crystalloid target: about 30 mL/kg unless the scenario suggests a competing limit.
Escalate to vasopressor / ICU support when hypotension persists after adequate resuscitation.
Delivery is not the default “treatment” for sepsis if maternal stabilization should come first.

Obstetric sepsis quick checks

Possible infection + 2 screen criteria Confirm organ dysfunction Antibiotics within 1 hour goal Blood cultures early Persistent hypotension after fluids = shock escalation

Suggested debrief points

Was deterioration recognized even before classic “high fever” appeared?
Did the team separate diagnosis, treatment, and disposition tasks efficiently?
Were fluids and antibiotics initiated promptly?
Was ICU / rapid response escalation delayed by waiting for more data?
Was delivery planning appropriately contextualized to maternal stabilization?
Were systems barriers identified, such as antibiotic availability or order set access?

References (collapsible)

Obstetric sepsis definitions & screening

SMFM Consult Series: Sepsis during pregnancy and the puerperium. PMID: 31494154
ACOG Practice Bulletin: Clinical management of sepsis in pregnancy. PMID: 34726752
WHO Maternal Sepsis Guidelines. PMID: 30458531

Sepsis bundle & early management

Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines 2021. PMID: 34599691
Levy MM et al. Early goal-directed therapy concepts. PMID: 15300255
Rhodes A et al. International sepsis guidelines. PMID: 28101605

Fluids, vasopressors, ICU care

Cecconi M et al. Fluid resuscitation in sepsis. PMID: 30743258
De Backer D et al. Vasopressor therapy (norepinephrine). PMID: 18003872
SSC: Hemodynamic management recommendations. PMID: 34599691

Antibiotics & source control

Kumar A et al. Timing of antibiotics in sepsis. PMID: 16484637
Evans L et al. SSC antibiotic timing. PMID: 34599691
ACOG: Postpartum infections/endometritis guidance. PMID: 30681543

Obstetric considerations & delivery planning

SMFM: Critical care in obstetrics. PMID: 30629918
Bauer ME et al. Maternal sepsis outcomes. PMID: 29683923
UW Medicine Obstetric Sepsis Protocol (open source)

Maternal Sepsis Simulation BETA