What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to reduce the incidence of pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrests through a Cardiac Arrest Prevention program.

March 26, 2026

1367: Optimizing Team-Based Interventions to Reduce Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Key Points

The aim is to reduce the incidence of pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrests through a Cardiac Arrest Prevention program.
Single center quality improvement project
Developed a CAP screening tool to identify high-risk patients
Implemented team huddles to discuss vital signs and mitigation strategies
Measured CA rates and CPR duration pre-and post-CAP implementation
CA rate decreased by 41.4%, from 7.56 to 4.43 events per 1,000 patient days
Duration of CPR decreased to 7:46 minutes, a 37.8% improvement
85% of staff reported improved interprofessional collaboration
92% noted enhanced shared mental models

Abstract

Introduction: Failure to recognize and treat clinical deterioration remains a significant source of preventable harm in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) significantly increases mortality, with up to 50% of patients not surviving to discharge post-arrest. Early detection of clinical triggers and improved situational awareness can reduce cardiac arrest (CA) events. CHRISTUS Children’s Hospital initiated a Cardiac Arrest Prevention (CAP) program to reduce IHCA incidence and improve patient outcomes. Methods: This is a single center quality improvement project with a primary outcome of reducing the CA rates in our PICU by 25% in 18 months through the implementation of a CAP program. Based on patient data and previous studies, a CAP screening tool was developed to proactively identify patients at high risk of having CA. Identified patients triggered team huddles where shared mental models, vital sign parameters and mitigation strategies were discussed. The CA rates and duration of CPR were measured before and after the CAP implementation. During the study period there were no significant changes in our patient population or PICU census. Results: Our historical data showed 50 CA events in a three-year period. The average length of CPR was 12:29 minutes. 118 unique CAP patients were enrolled. There were 13 total CA events in 18 months, of which 2 were enrolled in CAP. The CA rate decreased by 41.4%, from 7.56 to 4.43. The duration of CPR decreased to 7:46 minutes, a 37.8% improvement. Staff surveys showed that over 85% of providers and nurses reporting improved interprofessional collaboration, while 92% noted enhanced shared mental models. The successful implementation of the project in a combined PICU/CICU confirms findings from pediatric CICUs which have successfully implemented the CAP project. Conclusions: The implementation of a CAP program allowing the bedside team to create a shared mental model demonstrated reduction of CA rate with decreased duration of CPR, and improved teamwork and utilization of resources.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark