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Recommended Citation
Nowak N, Auger A. Malignant hyperthermia simulation and competency. Quality Improvement podium presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement podium presentation at Empowering Nursing Excellence: Recognizing the Value and Impact of Nurses, Advocate Health Midwest Region Nursing Research & Professional Development Conference 2023; November 15, 2023; virtual.
Abstract
Background
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal reaction to a volatile anesthetic or succinylcholine producing a hypermetabolic state. Prompt recognition and treatment of MH are essential for survival.
Local Problem
Rapid Response Team (RRT) leaders identified a nursing knowledge gap about the process for treating MH for patients outside high-risk areas at a level 1 trauma center.
Method
A new process, workflow, and medication box were created for obtaining the necessary supplies to treat MH patients. RRT nursing leaders developed a simulation education program with the goals to improve overall MH knowledge and to develop RRT nurses’ response skills for MH management using the new process, workflow, and treatment box. The RRT nurses participated in an eight-question survey to assess knowledge and patient management three times: pre-, immediately post-, and three months post-simulation. Survey scores ranged from 20% to 100% where highest scores indicated nurses were the most knowledgeable and proficient.
Results
Mean survey scores increased from 80% to 89% between pre- and post-simulation surveys (p = 0.09), which was a 9% increase. Mean survey scores significantly increased to 95% at three months post-simulation (p = 0.07). During the simulation debrief the RRT nurses voiced increased confidence with the MH process and felt this improved process better supported patient safety.
Implications for Practice
The simulation experience helped the RRT nurses gain experience and learn about the process, workflow, and new treatment box for treating MH. The increase in knowledge and skill after 3 months was promising and indicates that the simulation helped RRT nurses retain MH knowledge over time. The new MH process will help decrease the response time from symptom recognition to medication administration. However, due to the low volume of MH cases, this simulation may have to be conducted annually to keep the RRT nurses proficient in the MH process.
Document Type
Oral/Podium Presentation
Publication Date
11-15-2023
Malignant hyperthermia simulation and competency
Background
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal reaction to a volatile anesthetic or succinylcholine producing a hypermetabolic state. Prompt recognition and treatment of MH are essential for survival.
Local Problem
Rapid Response Team (RRT) leaders identified a nursing knowledge gap about the process for treating MH for patients outside high-risk areas at a level 1 trauma center.
Method
A new process, workflow, and medication box were created for obtaining the necessary supplies to treat MH patients. RRT nursing leaders developed a simulation education program with the goals to improve overall MH knowledge and to develop RRT nurses’ response skills for MH management using the new process, workflow, and treatment box. The RRT nurses participated in an eight-question survey to assess knowledge and patient management three times: pre-, immediately post-, and three months post-simulation. Survey scores ranged from 20% to 100% where highest scores indicated nurses were the most knowledgeable and proficient.
Results
Mean survey scores increased from 80% to 89% between pre- and post-simulation surveys (p = 0.09), which was a 9% increase. Mean survey scores significantly increased to 95% at three months post-simulation (p = 0.07). During the simulation debrief the RRT nurses voiced increased confidence with the MH process and felt this improved process better supported patient safety.
Implications for Practice
The simulation experience helped the RRT nurses gain experience and learn about the process, workflow, and new treatment box for treating MH. The increase in knowledge and skill after 3 months was promising and indicates that the simulation helped RRT nurses retain MH knowledge over time. The new MH process will help decrease the response time from symptom recognition to medication administration. However, due to the low volume of MH cases, this simulation may have to be conducted annually to keep the RRT nurses proficient in the MH process.
Affiliations
Advocate Christ Medical Center