Video-Recorded In Situ Simulation Before Moving to the New Combined Neonatal/Pediatric Intensive Care Facility: An Observational Study

Abstract

Objectives: Moving an ICU to a new location is a challenge. The objective of this study was to use in situ simulation to identify potential problems and solutions with the new environment before commencing patient care.

Design: Planned, observational video-recorded simulation study using four scenarios: delivery room management of term-neonate; delivery room management of extremely low-birth-weight infant; management and transfer of an infant with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis and apnea; and management and transfer of an adolescent with septic shock.

Setting: Academic tertiary neonatal and combined neonatal ICU/PICU.

Participants: Sixteen volunteers (eight physicians, eight nurses).

Interventions: Standardized briefing introduction, with before versus after survey of thoughts about each scenario, and after 8 weeks, debriefing at least 60 minutes and additional video recording.

Measurements and main results: A total of 91 potential problem areas were identified and included issues related to technical aspects ( n = 29), infrastructure ( n = 27), administration ( n = 19), and structure ( n = 16). Fifty-three (58%) of these potential issues could be resolved before the move, including: 15 of 29 technical, 15 of 27 infrastructure, nine of 19 administration, and 14 of 16 structural. The video analysis revealed an additional 13 problem areas (six technical, three infrastructure, two administration, and two structural). Participants felt more confident 8 weeks after the simulations (χ 2 = 12.125; p < 0.002). All 16 participants confirmed the usefulness of the in situ simulation, the majority wanted further introductions to the new ward ( n = 13) and noted a positive impact of the changes on the new ward ( n = 12).

Conclusions: In situ simulation before moving into a new facility identifies numerousness potential problem areas. Survey shows that providers feel better prepared and are more confident. Video recording reveals additional difficulties not addressed in conventional verbal debriefing.