(1120) Practice Makes Perfect: Implementation of an Interdisciplinary Mock Code Curriculum

Introduction: Key factors in a successful resuscitation include technical skills such as high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway establishment but also require interdisciplinary teamwork, communication, and preparedness. In situ mock code curriculums are one way to improve these skills and mimic team functioning in an actual code. We aimed to implement a mock code curriculum that allows for interdisciplinary collaboration and deliberate practice of code team roles.

Methods: To assess the effectiveness of the in situ mock code curriculum in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), advanced practice practitioners (APPs), fellows, nurses, and respiratory therapists (RTs) were asked to complete an anonymous survey before and after their participation. Pre-curriculum surveys were sent out in Summer 2024 with questions including their overall participation in mock and actual codes and comfort in their role. In situ mock codes were held in the PICU/CICU followed by a post-mock code survey. The post survey included questions addressing participants' experience and impression of the mock code.

Results: The pre-curriculum survey had 12 responses from 3 APPs, 1 fellow, 7 nurses, and 1 RT. Participants had a wide range in participation in actual codes. Only 33% (4/12) of respondents strongly agree that the interdisciplinary team works effectively together in a code situation. Three quarters of providers (75%, 3/4) did not feel comfortable with the role of code leader. Most nurses (57%, 4/7) did not feel comfortable performing the role of recorder. Participants had variable responses as to what was most uncomfortable in codes including “thinking on my feet” and “speaking my concerns.”

To date, 5 mock codes have been held in the PICU/CICU. In the post survey, all respondents (9/9) strongly agreed or agreed that the simulation was a valuable learning experience, will help them improve their clinical performance, and that the debrief was a safe and supportive environment.

Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest there is a need for practice and that the in situ mock code curriculum is an effective way to prepare providers and staff for real code situations. With continued implementation of mock codes, we hope to improve comfort for each code team role and overall code team functioning.