Standardized Code Blue Process

Abstract

Cardiac arrest remains an increasing health problem, leading to thousands of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts annually. With variations in code blue documentation and post-event team debriefings, a standardized process review promotes enculturation of employee expectations and improves patient outcomes. The purpose of the DNP evidence-based practice quality improvement (EBPQI) project was to standardize the code blue event processes at the Veteran’s Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO), specifically event documentation and leader-driven team debriefing. Data was analyzed using a descriptive approach. A one-way ANOVA was used along with testing of homogeneity of variances to understand whether there was a significant difference (p<.05) between the pre- and post-implementation variables. The analysis also determined the significance of self-efficacy performance among nurses, Nurse Managers, and Off-tour Nurse Coordinators/Supervisors. Pre-implementation retrospective chart reviews identified 122 code blue events with 79 inaccuracies of missing rhythm strips, missing documentation, and/or no post event debriefing (35% compliance). Post-implementation chart reviews identified nine code blue events with one inaccuracy of no post event debriefing (89% compliance). Pre- and post-implementation quantitative nursing surveys were delivered to participants through a simple convenience sampling method. Results suggest statistical significance between the pre- and post-implementation participants for the self-efficacy questions (p<.001).