Background: Code carts provide accessible emergency medication, supplies, and equipment to resuscitate a child. Unfortunately, there are limited studies on pediatric code cart use in resource-limited settings, including in India.
Methods: This was a Pediatric Code Cart Challenge for emergency medicine (EM) trainees in India. After receiving education on pediatric code carts, participants created their code carts and submitted a video showcasing their project. Reviewers evaluated each team's code cart using a rubric. A six-month follow-up survey assessed participants' use of code carts and their perception and satisfaction.
Results: Forty-nine participants across six sites completed the survey. The median number of pediatric code cart uses in the past six months was two. Materials frequently used from the code cart included medications (76%), followed by airway equipment (59%), and intravenous (IV) equipment (57%). Only 4% of respondents used an intraosseous (IO) catheter. Two of six sites reported modifying their code cart within the past six months by rearranging and/or adding equipment and medications. Local protocols, pediatric advanced life support guidelines, and references from other hospitals led to changes. Most respondents rated the pediatric code cart useful and appreciated its accessibility, ease of use, organization, and equipment. Respondents said they would add more pediatric equipment, including IO supplies, to improve their code cart.
Conclusion: Participating sites now have pediatric medications and equipment accessible and organized in their code carts. Additionally, EM trainees learned what is needed and how to improve their current pediatric code carts. Future steps include expanding this pilot project to additional sites in low- and middle-income countries.
Keywords: code cart; emergency departments; emergency medicine; india; pediatric emergency medicine; trainees.
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