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).
Degree
D.N.P.
Thesis Department
Rights
Open Access (fully available)
Copyright retained by author