Authors (including presenting author) :
Li CK(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Intensive Care Unit, North District Hospital
Introduction :
The major airway algorithms are essential airway management training tools. In real-time airway management, yet, their formats are unlikely accessible. Hence, a high-acuity implementation tool, the Vortex, is introduced to support team function during the airway crisis.
The Vortex approach is based on the premise that there are three airway 'lifelines' by which oxygen delivery can be established by any of the non-surgical techniques including face-mask, supraglottic airway and endotracheal tube in each lifeline. The lifeline is depicted in simple graphic, with a circular fashion around a central area representing 'cannot intubate and cannot oxygenate (CICO) rescue' (surgical airway). If any of three lifelines is unsuccessful, this mandates spiral movement inward to the next lifeline. Airway patency should be reinstated by CICO rescue after three unsuccessful lifelines.
Objectives :
1. To provide a template to prompt team recall in real-time preparation and implementation of emergency airway management.
2. To provide opportunities for learners to lead in the critical situations via the stimulation-based approach.
Methodology :
A three-step, one-hour stimulation-based training session was designed for nurses and doctors in the Intensive Care Unit that includes: briefing of ground rules and familiar with mimic space; tackling real-time airway emergency situation based on the Vortex approach; post-training debriefing session.
A simulation center is a training facility that mimics clinical space. Simulation exposes learners to high-risk clinical situations without putting patients at risk. Moreover, it prepares learners to work as a team.
Result & Outcome :
5 sessions of workshops with total 16 participants were held since March 2019.
Positive feedbacks were obtained in the debriefing session, including improvement in team communication, patient safety and outcome by applying the Vortex.
It is suggested to evaluate the stimulation-based training on the best practices to improve patient outcomes and the applicability to different clinical situations.