Evaluation Of Code Blue Calls Pre-Pandemic And Post-Pandemic Period In A State Hospital: Single Center Experience

Abstract

Objective: Code blue is an organization established to provide basic and advanced life support as soon as possible, effectively and accurately in patients who develop in-hospital cardiac arrest. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and results of code blue calls (CBCs) in our hospital, to make a comparison between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods, and to contribute to the literature and clinical practice. Material and Methods: This study was carried out by retrospectively examining the code blue notification forms between 01.01.2019 and 20.05.2021 in the code blue system, which is actively applied in the 350-bed Samsun Gazi State Hospital. Results: 370 code blue calls were included in this retrospective study. 54.1% of the cases were male and the mean age was 63.6 ± 1.1. 55.7% of the calls were made during working hours. The calls were mostly made from polyclinics with 28.6%. This was followed by the Covid-19 service with 25.7% and the palliative care service with 15.9%. 60% of the calls were made in the pre-pandemic period. CPR was performed in 48.6% of the cases. 30.3% of the cases resulted in exitus. In terms of CBC causes, code blue call was made due to cardiopulmonary arrest in 48.6%, syncope in 16.8%, and hypotensive attack in 13% of the cases. Code Blue team reached the calls in an average of 2.63±0.1 minutes. Compared to the CBCs during the pandemic period with the pre-pandemic period; Age, male gender ratio, transfer rate to the ICU, team response time and prolenged call rates were found to be higher during the pandemic period ( respectively p= 0.017, p=0.03, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.006) . The defibrillation rate and the rate of transfer to the ED were found to be lower during the pandemic period (respectively p=.0.02, p=0.001). Conclusion: When the pandemic period and the pre-pandemic period were compared in the CBCs in our hospital; Parameters such as defibrillation application, outcome, team arrival time and prolonged call rates were negatively affected. CBC and its results can be improved with continuous and effective training.