The First Five Minute Program Derived From Mock Cardiopulmonary Arrest Implementation

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase nursing staff’s confidence in performing crucial tasks which must be completed during the first five minutes of an in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. Background: Cardiopulmonary arrests are clinical emergencies which have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. A healthcare team who is trained in how to manage these emergencies may help improve patient outcomes. An evidence-based method to improve nursing staff’s confidence and skill set while reducing staff anxiety in responding to cardiopulmonary arrests is mock code education and implementation. Specifically, education regarding tasks which should be completed within the first five minutes of a cardiopulmonary arrest is pertinent. Methods: The first five minute program consisted of a pretest and posttest design with an educational session. There were a total of 18 participants who voluntarily completed this educational session. The pretest evaluated the nursing staff’s baseline confidence levels in performing specific tasks imperative to the first five minutes of a cardiopulmonary arrest. The participants were then educated about how to properly perform these tasks. The participants were able to practice these skills during a portion of hands-on learning. The confidence levels in performing the same tasks were reassessed after the completion of the educational session to evaluate a change in confidence levels. Results: The pretest, educational session, and posttest were completed by 18 participants. The first five minute program showed an increase in mean confidence levels of nursing staff in performing each task. These tasks included calling a code, responding to a code, understanding designed code team roles, backboard placement, chest compressions, bag-valve mask ventilation, locating items within the code cart, applying defibrillator pads and cardiac leads, turning on the defibrillator, delivering a synchronized defibrillation to the patient, understanding which rhythms are shockable versus non-shockable, and code documentation. Conclusions: The use of the first five minute program as an educational session to increase nursing staff’s confidence in performing crucial tasks required during an in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest was successful. The sustainability and dissemination of this project are important to assure the continued use of the first five minute program.