Using simulation to orient code blue teams to a new hospital facility.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Facility Management

Background:

• Sudden cardiac arrest response is complex, influenced by factors like communication, stress, training, and unfamiliar environments.
• New hospital facilities present unique challenges for Code Blue Teams (CBTs) due to unfamiliar layouts and systems.
• Effective orientation is crucial for optimizing emergency response in critical care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize high-fidelity simulations for orienting CBTs to critical events within a new hospital facility.
• To assess the impact of simulation training on CBT response times and identify system-level barriers.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of simulation in preparing teams for high-stress medical emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 12 mock Code Blue exercises using high-fidelity simulation in real workplace settings.
• Measured key performance indicators: first responder arrival, crash cart delivery, team member arrival, chest compressions, and electrical shock delivery.
• Utilized post-simulation debriefings to identify barriers to effective response and decision-making.

Main Results:

• 69% of participants found the simulation training beneficial for new facility orientation.
• Identified median response times: first responder (42s), crash cart (68s), first CBT member (66s), chest compressions (80s), and electrical shock (341s).
• Uncovered facility and systems issues impacting patient safety, highlighting areas for improvement.

Conclusions:

• High-fidelity clinical simulation is an effective tool for orienting CBTs in new healthcare facilities.
• Simulation training successfully identifies critical safety issues and system vulnerabilities in newly constructed environments.
• This approach enhances team preparedness and patient safety during critical events.