Evaluation of quantitative debriefing after pediatric cardiac arrest

Aim: Our primary objective was to describe and determine the feasibility of implementing a care environment targeted pediatric post-cardiac arrest debriefing program. A secondary objective was to evaluate the usefulness of debriefing content items. We hypothesized that a care environment targeted post-cardiac arrest debriefing program would be feasible, well-received, and result in improved self-reported knowledge, confidence and performance of pediatric providers.

Methods: Physician-led multidisciplinary pediatric post-cardiac arrest debriefings were conducted using data from CPR recording defibrillators/central monitors followed by a semi-quantitative survey. Eight debriefing content elements divided, a priori, into physical skill (PS) related and cognitive skill (CS) related categories were evaluated on a 5-point Likert scale to determine those most useful (5-point Likert scale: 1=very useful/5=not useful). Summary scores evaluated the impact on providers' knowledge, confidence, and performance.

Results: Between June 2010 and May 2011, 6 debriefings were completed. Thirty-four of 50 (68%) front line care providers attended the debriefings and completed surveys. All eight content elements were rated between useful to very useful (Median 1; IQR 1-2). PS items scored higher than CS items to improve knowledge (Median: 2 (IQR 1-3) vs. 1 (IQR 0-2); p<0.02) and performance (Median: 2 (IQR 1-3) vs. 1 (IQR 0-1); p<0.01).

Conclusions: A novel care environment targeted pediatric post-cardiac arrest pediatric debriefing program is feasible and useful for providers regardless of their participation in the resuscitation. Physical skill related elements were rated more useful than cognitive skill related elements for knowledge and performance.