Regional One Health Partnership
The focus of the Center's partnership with Regional One Health is the research study, "Evaluating the Impact of Didactic Education and High-Fidelity Code Blue Simulation Training on Code Blue Execution in Emergency Services." Principal Investigators are Jamica Taylor, MSN, RN, Regional One; Charles Lapsley, MSN, RN, Regional One; Professor Sara W. Day, PhD, RN, FAAN, UTHSC College of Nursing; and Brook Clemons, MSN, RN, PhD Nursing Science Student, UTHSC College of Nursing.
The purpose of this collaborative study is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of code blue performance at Regional One Health. Methods include didactic education and high-fidelity code blue simulation training to enhance staff response to emergency situations, manual chest compression quality, recognition of lethal cardiac rhythms, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and defibrillation. Didactic education combined with simulation training has the potential to advance staff confidence, competency, team dynamics and ultimately better outcomes for Regional One Health patients.
The Center for Community and Global Partnerships awarded a grant to Regional One Health nurses that funded a Mega Code Kelly high-fidelity mannequin, simulation training, and mentoring support throughout the project. The investigators at Regional One included Professional Development Specialist Rozarra Fields, MSN, BSN; Professional Development Specialist Phillamone Berry, MBA, BSN; former Director of Trauma Charles Lapsley, MSN, RN, NE-BC; and former professional development specialist Jamica Taylor, MSN, RN. The investigators have submitted an abstract, “Evaluation of Impact of High-Fidelity Simulation on Code Blue Execution,” to the Emergency Nurses Association Conference, which will be held Sept. 4-7, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Code Blue education program focused on response efforts, team dynamics including awareness of specific roles and responsibilities, resuscitation skills, debriefing, and clinical knowledge. Pre- and post-tests measured knowledge gained, and clinical skills were assessed using a Code Blue clinical skills checklist. The pre/post-knowledge assessment demonstrated statistically significant knowledge improvement (p=.002) using a paired t-test. All 70 participants demonstrated competency in Code Blue clinical skills evidenced by successful completion of clinical skills checklist.
The Mega Code Kelly simulation training has proved to be very beneficial to Regional One because nurses are now able to work through Code Blue scenarios with a “responsive” mannequin that has rhythm and vital sign changes based on the interventions performed. Rozarra Fields, grant PI, noted, “Through the implementation and evaluation process of the grant I have learned the importance of evidence-based practice and research. Though challenging, I enjoy the process, and the Code Blue grant experience has propelled me forward into research.” Feedback from participants includes: “Hands-on experience helped me feel more comfortable about code situations.” High-fidelity simulation provided an interactive and realistic learning opportunity. Regional One plans to expand Code Blue education opportunities and offer it annually.
More information is available from Dr. Day at sday5@uthsc.edu.