Emergency Department Pediatric Code Cart In Situ Rolling Refresher Training Program

Abstract

BackgroundEmergency department nurses manage the code cart during infrequent pediatric emergencies in a rural, tertiary care center. A rolling refresher training program was developed to educate nurses on this low-frequency, high-risk skill. MethodsAn uncontrolled intervention study was completed with a 6-month follow-up. A program was created consisting of four scenarios and 17 code cart skills based on pediatric advanced life support algorithms. Each participant was assessed and trained to master each skill. ResultsAbout 56 participants were included. There was retained statistically significant improvement in first attempt successes between training 1 and 3 in the following skills: obtaining supplies for placing an IV and for intraosseous needle placement, delivering a weight-based appropriate fluid bolus, preparation and delivery of a weight-based epinephrine infusion, preparation and delivery of weight-based dose of adenosine, and a weight-based appropriate dose of epinephrine. ConclusionOur training program demonstrated improvement in a majority of these low-frequency, high-risk skills after an initial and repeated training every 6 months.