Breaking the Code: Considerations for Effectively Disseminating Mass Notifications in Healthcare Settings

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Emergency Preparedness
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Healthcare facilities commonly use code-based alert systems for emergency notifications.
• Effective emergency code identification is crucial for timely and appropriate staff response.
• Previous research has not comprehensively assessed code identification accuracy and staff perceptions in Georgia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical and non-clinical employees' accuracy in identifying emergency codes.
• To assess healthcare professionals' opinions on current emergency alert systems.
• To identify factors influencing emergency code identification accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Anonymous electronic surveys administered to 304 employees across five healthcare facilities in Georgia.
• Participants were asked to identify codes for 14 different emergency scenarios.
• Statistical analysis was used to determine accuracy rates and significant predictors.

Main Results:

• Average correct identification accuracy for emergency codes was 44.37%.
• Codes for fire, infant abduction, and cardiac arrest were most accurately identified.
• Training during orientation, knowledge of activation procedures, facility experience, and career history were significant predictors of accuracy.

Conclusions:

• Low emergency code identification accuracy indicates a potential gap in staff awareness of facility emergencies.
• Despite low accuracy, most participants preferred code-based systems over plain language due to concerns about patient panic and confidentiality.
• Transitioning to plain language emergency alerts may enhance response effectiveness for all individuals within healthcare facilities.