85 - Collaborative Response to Cardiac Emergencies in Procedural Areas

Description: Description of Team
A multidisciplinary team comprised EP directors, assistant directors, a cardiovascular technology manager, an EP educator, an EP quality manager, and an OR educator. This collaborative approach ensured comprehensive expertise in Electrophysiology procedures and emergency cardiac interventions.
Preparation and Planning
The team identified the critical need for emergency preparedness in the EP lab, specifically the capability to perform emergent sternotomy procedures. Through systematic planning sessions, the team established partnerships with the operating room to leverage their expertise in emergency cardiac interventions and determine essential supplies and equipment requirements.
Assessment
A comprehensive assessment was conducted to identify gaps in current emergency response capabilities within the EP lab environment. The team evaluated existing resources, analyzed potential emergency scenarios requiring chest opening procedures, and determined optimal equipment placement and accessibility requirements. Regular collaborative meetings with OR staff ensured thorough evaluation of necessary supplies, surgical packs, and instrumentation needed for emergent sternotomy procedures.
Implementation
The implementation phase included development of standardized policies and procedures, creation of a dedicated emergency cart and tower stocked with essential supplies, and establishment of regular equipment checks with assigned responsibilities and defined frequencies. A comprehensive education series was developed and delivered to the EP team, covering emergency cart contents, cardiovascular technician roles, and response team protocols. An innovative escape room experience was incorporated to reinforce learning and team coordination skills.
Outcome
The EP lab successfully implemented a comprehensive emergency response system featuring fully equipped emergency cart and tower, standardized protocols for emergent sternotomy procedures, and a well-educated team prepared to respond effectively to critical cardiac events. The collaborative approach resulted in enhanced emergency preparedness and improved patient safety outcomes in alignment with the National Patient Safety Goal to improve team communication.
Implications for Perioperative Nursing
This initiative demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing emergency preparedness protocols in alignment with the National Patient Safety goal Improve staff communication. The model provides a framework for other specialty areas to enhance emergency response capabilities through partnership with the OR. The comprehensive education approach, including innovative teaching methods like escape rooms, can be adapted for various clinical settings to improve staff preparedness and patient safety outcomes in perioperative environments.