Authors (including presenting author) :
WUT OL (1), FOK SH (1)
Affiliation :
(1) DEPARTMENT OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
Introduction :
Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery in QEH conducts nearly 800 major heart and thoracic operations every year. Post-op deterioration including cardiac arrest after major heart surgery can be caused by Pulmonary embolism, Tamponade, Hypovolaemia, Myocardial Ischaemia, Tension Pneumothorax, or Pacing failure, etc. which are all potentially reversible and high survival rate. Studies showed that re-opening of sternum for resuscitation after open heart surgery reveals a high survival rate. Regular manikin rehearsals of high quality CPR skills and emergency bedside sternotomy are key measures to strengthen the skills and knowledge of nurses and doctors. Both medical and nursing team should be well trained in perform this procedure.
Objectives :
1. To fulfill the requirement by CND that at least one CPR drill in the department with multi-disciplinary approach every year 2. To increase survival rate of patients after CPR 3. To strengthen the knowledge and skills of nursing staff about CPR and emergency bedside sternotomy for open heart surgery
Methodology :
4 CPR drill sessions with component of bedside sternotomy were carried out throughout 2019 within 2 wards in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. The participants were mainly nursing staff with experience less than 3 years. Nursing Staff in CND, anaesthetist and senior doctor and nurses were joined in the debriefing session to share their experiences.
Result & Outcome :
CPR drill reports were written and placed in ward so that all staff could easily reach for review. 90% of nurses with less than 3 years were joined the drill. However, nearly 50% of them were transferred out to other department after the rotation program. The sustainability of conducting CPR drill in the department with emergency bedside resternotomy is significant. The overall comments were satisfactory and report from participants that they would like to take part in the planning role of the CPR Drill. Further training with simulation was also recommended.
