Utility of Simulation as a Teaching Tool for Nursing Staff Involved in Code Blue Management.

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: The responsibility of nurses is early clinical deterioration and taking appropriate action. Knowledge and proficiency in Code Blue protocols come handy, which lacks in most nurses recognizing. Simulation-based learning plays a role in improving performance and confidence in handling such situations. This goal-based method of program evaluation aims to examine Code Blue training programs and compare them with current literature and established professional standards while assessing participants’ experience and change in knowledge to this educational method.Materials and methods: Following ethical approval, a prospective interventional study was conducted in the simulation center of a private medical college in Mangalore on 65 nursing students.A pretest was given to the participants on the day of the session to assess their baseline understanding followed by prebriefing, all previously having received didactic lectures on Code Blue protocol, crash cart, and cardiac arrest algorithms. They were divided into three batches and each batch performed on crash cart and cardiac arrest stations using an electrocardiogram simulator. A simulated drill was enacted by the faculty on managing a Code Blue event and a discussion was followed. Nurses underwent two simulated scenarios, shockable and nonshockable cardiac arrest algorithms, followed by debriefing. Posttest and feedback form was asked to be filled.Results: A significant increase in mean% from pretest to posttest (55.69–77.33%) following simulated drills.Conclusion: The use of simulation to train nurses in Code Blue scenarios records greater satisfaction and improvement in clinical reasoning, knowledge, and skills. Hence, the incorporation of simulation teaching in training of those involved in caring for high-risk patients is the need of the hour.How to cite this article: D’Cunha RJ, Fernandes SF, Sherif L. Utility of Simulation as a Teaching Tool for Nursing Staff Involved in Code Blue Management. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(8):878–880.