Postresuscitation debriefing in the pediatric emergency department: a national needs assessment. Issue 5 (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sandhu, Naminder; Eppich, Walter; Mikrogianakis, Angelo; Grant, Vincent; Robinson, Traci; Cheng, Adam
• Is Part Of: CJEM. Volume 16:Issue 5(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 383
• Page End: 392
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: debriefing, -- emergency department, -- pediatrics, -- resuscitation; Emergency Treatment -- Periodicals; Emergency Medicine -- Periodicals; Emergency medical services -- Canada -- Periodicals; Medical emergencies -- Canada -- Periodicals; Emergency medical services; Medical emergencies; Canada; Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.2310/8000.2013.131136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1481-8035

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess current postresuscitation debriefing (PRD) practices in Canadian pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and identify areas for improvement. Methods: A national needs assessment survey was conducted to collect information on current PRD practices and perspectives on debriefing practice in pediatric EDs. A questionnaire was distributed to ED nurses, fellows, and attending physicians at 10 pediatric tertiary care hospitals across Canada. Summary statistics are reported. Results: Data were analyzed from 183 participants (48.7% response rate). Although 88.8% of the participants believed that debriefing is an important process, 52.5% indicated that debriefing after real resuscitations occurs less than 25% of the time and 68.3% indicated that no expectation exists for PRD at their institution. Although 83.7% of participants believed that facilitators should have a specific skill set developed through formal training sessions, 63.4% had no previous training in debriefing. Seventy-two percent felt that medical and crisis resource management issues are dealt with adequately when PRD occurs, and 90.4% indicated that ED workload and time shortages are major barriers to effective debriefing. Most responded that a debriefing tool to guide facilitators might aid in multiple skills, such as creating realistic debriefing objectives and providing feedback with good judgment. Conclusion: PRD in Canadian pediatric EDs occurs infrequently, although most health care providers agreed on its importance and the need for skilled facilitators.