On August 4th and 5th, 2025, TRC member Willapa Harbor Hospital provided a vital learning opportunity for hospital staff and neighboring hospitals by hosting an immersive obstetrics (OB) simulation event focused on vaginal birth deliveries. The training, made possible through sponsorship from Physicians Insurance and support from The Rural Collaborative, utilized high-fidelity mannequins to replicate realistic delivery scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
The mannequins can respond to clinical interventions in real time, providing participants with immediate feedback. For many attendees, this training was their first hands-on OB experience since nursing school, making the simulation both a skill refresher and a confidence building exercise. Participants were able to go through deliveries step by step and ask questions in a non-judgmental, comfortable space. This training allowed nurses, providers, and other clinical staff to practice and prepare for potential real-life scenarios as well as to promote and strengthen teamwork and role delegation.
“These simulations are incredibly valuable, especially in a rural setting where we may not see deliveries every day,” said Chelsea MacIntyre, Chief Nursing Officer at Willapa Harbor Hospital. “It allows our staff to stay prepared, competent, and ready to provide excellent care to mothers and newborns when the need arises.”
With the continued partnership with Physicians Insurance and The Rural Collaborative, these trainings opportunities will continue to arise and will help equip healthcare providers in rural communities with vital education and resources.
The Collaborative is a powerful network of rural health systems in Washington state where interdependence drives innovation and value. Members exchange ideas, share best practices, and support one another to deliver high-quality care in challenging environments. Our programs generate meaningful financial benefits, resulting in shared savings and reduced operational costs. Backed by a dedicated staff, TRC members continue to learn from one another, solve problems together, and lead the way in rural healthcare excellence. Year after year, our work proves that collaboration is not only practical, but powerful.
