Airborne Isolation Cardiac Arrest: A Simulation Program for Interdisciplinary Code Blue Team Training

Abstract

Introduction: In-hospital cardiac arrest in patients with COVID-19 presents significant challenges to health care teams. Airborne precautions can delay patient care, place providers at high risk of virus exposure, and exacerbate an already stressful environment. Within the constraints of an ongoing pandemic, an efficient educational program is required to prepare health care teams for airborne isolation code blue. Methods: This simulation was conducted in a room on the target unit using a CPR manikin to represent the patient. A "talk-through walk-through" scripted simulation directed learners (internal medicine residents, unit nurses, and other code blue responders) through a resuscitation using an airborne isolation code blue protocol. Key scripted events prompted role identification, communication, and item transfer. Learners self-assessed their airborne isolation code blue knowledge and skills and their confidence in providing quality care while maintaining safety using a pre-/posttraining 5-point Likert-scale survey. Results: We trained 100 participants over a 5-month period, with 65 participants surveyed (43 respondents; 16 residents, 22 nurses). Following training, participants had a statistically significant (p