Implementation of emergency manuals in the OR

Simulation studies show that OR teams use best practices during critical events more effectively and efficiently when referring to emergency manuals (eg, context-relevant sets of cognitive aids such as crisis checklists). However, clinical adoption and use are still nascent in healthcare.

This study from the Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, California, assessed the impact of a brief in situ OR staff training program on familiarity with emergency manuals and intention to use them during critical events.

Nine 50-minute training sessions were held with OR staff. Training included why and how to use emergency manuals, familiarization with format, simulated scenarios of critical events, and debriefings.

The 126 trained OR staff members reported increases in awareness of and familiarity with the emergency manual, willingness to use for educational review, and intention to use during critical events.

The researchers recommend that institutions provide emergency manuals in accessible places in ORs and incorporate training to increase staff familiarity, cultural acceptance, and planned clinical use.

—Goldhaber-Fiebert S, Lei V, Nandagopal K, et al. Emergency manual implementation: Can brief simulation-based OR staff trainings increase familiarity and planned clinical use? Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2015;41(5):212-220.

http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/jcaho/jcjqs/