The Implementation of a Mock Code Simulation Guided by TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 Curriculum to Improve Team Performance and Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Teamwork During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrest

Background: Effective communication, team performance, and teamwork are essential aspects of providing care for pediatric patients sustaining cardiopulmonary arrest. Providers need to deliver highly efficient and competent care to improve patient outcomes. Methods: Employees received pre-simulation education guided by the TeamSTEPPS® 2.0 Curriculum. Participating registered nurses (RNs) completed a Teamwork Attitudes Questionnaire (T-TAQ) questionnaire prior to simulation. Simulations were held during routine quarterly hospital training. Debriefing sessions followed each simulation. A TTAQ questionnaire was completed immediately post-simulation and 6 weeks postsimulation. Results: Using a 5% level of significance, T-TAQ results significantly improved from pre-simulation to immediately post-simulation and from pre-simulation to 6-weeks postsimulation. No significant difference was found from immediately post-simulation to 6- weeks post-simulation. Discussion: The use of mock code simulations has the potential to improve communication, teamwork, and decrease anxiety levels of RNs. This could lead to more mock codes as part of routine education practices within the facility. Implications for Practice: The implementation of pediatric mock code simulations can potentially improve teamwork and communication as well as cardiac arrest outcomes