Sepsis in the Operating Room: A Simulation Case for Perioperative Providers

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Sepsis requires consideration in patients with unexplained organ dysfunction, even without an obvious infection.
• Perioperative providers commonly encounter patients with sepsis.
• Postoperative sepsis management presents unique challenges in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simulation case for training perioperative providers in recognizing and managing postoperative sepsis.
• To provide a platform for discussing the rationale behind sepsis management strategies.
• To enhance clinical decision-making skills in a high-stakes environment.

Main Methods:

• A simulation scenario was designed for anesthesia providers managing a postoperative patient.
• The scenario involves a 62-year-old female patient experiencing somnolence, hypotension, and hypoxemia post-cystoscopy.
• The simulation utilizes an operating room environment with standard anesthetic equipment and a mannequin.

Main Results:

• Twelve residents successfully completed the simulation.
• Faculty instructors provided formal feedback via email questionnaires within 30 days.
• The simulation provided a practical learning experience for sepsis management.

Conclusions:

• Sepsis diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of a single definitive test and varied definitions.
• Case simulations are valuable for challenging perioperative providers to diagnose and treat sepsis promptly.
• This simulation enhances the ability to manage complex postoperative septic presentations.