The AFE Foundation is proud to celebrate Sharon Dey-Layne, DNP, RNC-HROB, MSN, CNS, APRN, C-ONQS, C-OB, who recently completed her doctoral project at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Her work marks a significant milestone in validating and advancing the use of our AFE Stabilization Checklist through rigorous simulation training at Riverside University Health System (RUHS).
Tackling Preventable Maternal Mortality
Every year, approximately 700 mothers in the United States lose their lives due to pregnancy-related complications. Tragically, as reported by Maternal Mortality Review Committees, over 80% of these deaths are preventable. Obstetric emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) are leading contributors, underscoring the urgent need for standardized, evidence-based response tools.
Sharon’s project addressed this need head-on, focusing on the critical role of structured checklists and simulation-based training in improving emergency preparedness and response for obstetric teams.
The Project: Checklist + Simulation in Action
Working with multidisciplinary teams—including obstetricians, anesthesiologists, nurses, and neonatologists—Sharon implemented the AFE Stabilization Checklist alongside other evidence-based tools in a 439-bed public teaching hospital with a Level III maternity unit in Southern California.
Key elements of her work included:
- Monthly simulation drills designed to replicate obstetric emergencies.
- Integration of the AFE Foundation’s checklist and CMQCC guidelines into training.
- Pre- and post-training surveys measuring confidence, role clarity, communication, and task completion.
Results That Matter
The findings were powerful:
- 77% of participants reported increased confidence.
- 82% noted improved SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) communication.
- 82% experienced clearer role definition during crises.
- 100% compliance was achieved in managing hypotension, cardiac arrest, and bleeding—critical actions during an AFE emergency.
These outcomes strongly support making structured checklists and simulation training standard practice in obstetric emergency care.
National Recognition at AWHONN
Sharon’s innovative work was selected for presentation at the National AWHONN Convention, one of the most respected forums for advancing perinatal nursing practice. Her poster, Checklist Use in OB Emergencies to Complete Critical Actions Using Simulation, showcased how the AFE Stabilization Checklist, when paired with simulation, can help save mothers’ lives and reduce severe maternal morbidity.
A Lasting Impact
By validating the AFE Stabilization Checklist and demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world simulation environments, Sharon has created a model that hospitals nationwide can adopt. Her work reinforces what we know to be true: teamwork, structured communication, and evidence-based tools save lives.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sharon for this remarkable achievement and for her dedication to improving maternal safety. Her project is not only a milestone for her academic journey but also a gift to mothers, families, and healthcare providers everywhere. You can read her DNP project here.
