682 Setting up for success: optimising equipment improves practitioner confidence during neonatal emergencies in the emergency department. (17th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harley, Isabella; Muir, Laura
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107(2022)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A15
• Page End: A15
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-rcpch.25
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Acutely unwell neonates can challenge the skills of the multidisciplinary team in the Emergency Department setting. Vital equipment for managing high-acuity, low-frequency presentations may be infrequently handled and staff may not feel confident to identify, locate or maintain it during or between cases. Moreover, stock variations across hospital departments can cause confusion and delays in care. The goal of this project was to raise the confidence of the multidisciplinary team to accurately and efficiently handle resuscitation equipment when caring for acutely unwell neonates in the Emergency Department. Methods: Nursing and medical colleagues working within the Emergency Department completed a Confidence Survey, based on a 5-point Linkert Scale, to quantify existing confidence in equipment use and participation in neonatal emergencies. Further evaluation of problems with inaccessibility and unfamiliarity of our emergency equipment was made through cross-speciality MDT discussion. Discrepancies were identified in the layout and contents of the Drager Resuscitaires across the hospital and standardising measures were taken to replicate kit lists and formatting. An education session covering equipment function and maintenance, including a hands-on practical session, was delivered to the Emergency Department nursing and medical teams in small group sessions. Colleagues then completed the Confidence Survey once more to quantify the impact of these interventions. Results: The results of the second round of Confidence Surveys showed improvement in mean and mode scoring across all the questions and in all staff groups. The mean score across all questions was 2.40 (out of five) on the initial survey, and improved to 4.02 after our interventions. The mode value increased by 2 points in three of the five questions, and by 1 point in the remaining two, following this intervention also. Staff commented they greatly enjoyed these sessions, felt more confident and wished for further training. Conclusion: Stakeholders from both Paediatric and Emergency departments felt the standardisation of format and contents of our Emergency Department Drager Resuscitaire led to elevated confidence in location, identification and utilisation of emergency equipment. This increased confidence not only has the capability to strengthen individual and team performance but can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of the multidisciplinary team too. These simple measures could be applied to a range of equipment and specialties and could be replicated more widely to address a shortfall in multidisciplinary training resulting from the pandemic.