CESI Hosts Women’s Health Skills Day to Elevate Patient Care and Safety

Empowering Women’s Health Providers with Cutting-Edge Training

In March 2025, the Center for Education Simulation and Innovation (CESI) hosted an extraordinary event that brought together women’s health providers from Hartford Hospital for full-day immersive training sessions. The Women’s Health Skills Day was a vibrant gathering of obstetricians, gynecologists, nursing professional development specialists, perinatal safety nurses, nurses, nurse practitioners, and allied health professionals, all eager to refine their technical and clinical skills through hands-on learning experiences.

A State-of-the-Art Learning Experience

CESI, renowned as one of the largest and most advanced simulation centers in the Northeast, transformed its spacious labs into dynamic training grounds tailored specifically for women’s health challenges. Participants navigated realistic scenarios from managing obstetrical emergencies and high-risk pregnancies to performing simulated gynecologic procedures using high-fidelity mannequins and team-based drills. These simulations provided critical opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration, allowing practitioners to practice complex interventions in a risk-free environment.

Enhancing Skills, Saving Lives

Improving outcomes in women’s health starts with rigorous, hands-on training. CESI’s simulation technology bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, empowering healthcare providers to respond swiftly and effectively in emergencies. Attendees reported that the event sharpened both their technical proficiencies and communication skills, essential for coordinating care during high-pressure situations.

Interactive Learning Stations

The Women’s Health Skills Day featured a variety of interactive stations, including shoulder dystocia, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), hemorrhage management, management of lines and drains, voiding trials, lactation and infant falls, hypertension (HTN), decompensating patient scenarios, mastectomy procedures, and fall prevention. The use of high-fidelity simulation-based training for complex patient situations enhanced teamwork, communication, practice skills, and clinical decision-making. Instructors from women’s health led small-group sessions, ensuring that each participant received individualized feedback and practical guidance. Scenario debriefings allowed for open discussions on successes and areas for improvement, making the learning process even more impactful.

Optimal Collaboration for an Exceptional Learning Experience

The collaboration between CESI's educators, simulation technicians, and the women's health team was instrumental in providing an optimal learning experience. Their combined expertise and dedication ensured that participants received comprehensive, realistic training that enhanced both technical skills and teamwork

Acknowledging Key Contributors

A special thanks goes to the Nursing Professional Development Specialists Sarah Quadrato and Kate Yoder, coordinators of Women’s Health Skills Days, who were both invaluable in ensuring that every aspect of the training ran smoothly and effectively. Additionally, the support from the Perinatal Safety nurses Jessica Bancroft-Davis and Jen Moller, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in the success of the events, was greatly appreciated.

A Commitment to Excellence in Women’s Health

The Women’s Health Skills Day is part of CESI’s broader commitment to continuous professional development and patient safety. By hosting such specialized events, Hartford Hospital aims to elevate the standard of care provided to women across the community. As the event concluded, participants left not only with enhanced clinical skills but also with renewed confidence in their ability to manage the unpredictable challenges of women’s health care. With plans already underway for future sessions, CESI is poised to remain at the forefront of simulation training helping to shape a safer, more effective healthcare landscape for women everywhere.