Code Response Training: Improving Interprofessional Communication.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Simulation is widely used to enhance team performance during emergencies.
• Implementing hospital-wide code response training presents significant challenges.
• Hospital leaders sought a simulation program to improve patient safety and communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a multimodal simulation program for hospital-wide code response training.
• To enhance teamwork and communication skills among clinical staff in emergency situations.
• To foster a common language for effective patient care in ad hoc teams.

Main Methods:

• A multimodal approach combining online communication modules and in-person simulation sessions was developed.
• Participants engaged in a 1-hour online module followed by a 1-hour interprofessional simulation session.
• Training involved managing simulated pediatric emergencies (airway obstruction, septic shock) with focused debriefing.

Main Results:

• Over 1,400 staff members were trained across more than 200 sessions.
• Participant feedback was highly positive, with average ratings of 4.3 for objective achievement and 4.8 for facilitator effectiveness.
• The program emphasized interprofessional collaboration, facilitated by nurses and physicians.

Conclusions:

• Hospital-wide simulation effectively delivered code response training, improving teamwork and communication.
• The program fostered a shared language, empowering clinicians to provide safe, high-quality patient care.
• Engaging leadership and frontline staff were crucial for the program's success.