Quality Improvement of Pediatric Airway Emergency Carts: Standardization, Streamlining, and Simulation

Zachary J. Fleishhacker; Douglas M. Bennion; Jose Manaligod; Deborah Kacmarynski; Bonita Y. Ropp; Sohit Kanotra

doi:10.7759/cureus.39727

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Quality Improvement of Pediatric Airway Emergency Carts: Standardization, Streamlining, and Simulation

Journal article

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Quality Improvement of Pediatric Airway Emergency Carts: Standardization, Streamlining, and Simulation

Zachary J. Fleishhacker, Douglas M. Bennion, Jose Manaligod, Deborah Kacmarynski, Bonita Y. Ropp and Sohit Kanotra

Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), Vol.15(5), e39727

05/30/2023

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39727

PMCID: PMC10310310

PMID: 37398737

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Abstract

Objective Pediatric airway emergencies are amongst the most tenuous scenarios faced by on-call providers, requiring quick access to the appropriate equipment and a timely response. In the present study, we report on the testing and improvement of pediatric airway carts at our institution. The primary objective was to optimize our pediatric airway emergency carts to improve response times. Secondarily, we aimed to implement a training scenario to improve providers' familiarity and confidence in attaining and assembling equipment.Methods Surveys of airway cart configuration at our hospital and others were used to identify differences. Volunteer otolaryngology physicians were tasked with responding to a mock scenario using an existing cart or one modified based on the survey. Outcomes included (1) time to arrival of the provider with the appropriate equipment, (2) time from arrival to complete assembly of equipment, and (3) time for re-assembly of the equipment.Results The survey revealed differences in cart equipment and location. The inclusion of a flexible bronchoscope and a video tower, as well as the placement of the carts directly within the ICU, resulted in improved time to arrival by an average of 181 seconds, and improved equipment assembly time by an average of 85 seconds.Discussion Standardization of pediatric airway equipment on the cart and location near critically ill patients improved response efficiency. Simulation led to improved confidence and reduced reaction time among providers at all levels of experience.Conclusion The present study provides an example for the optimization of airway carts, which can be adapted by healthcare systems to their local milieu.

General & Internal Medicine

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Medicine, General & Internal

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Quality Improvement of Pediatric Airway Emergency Carts: Standardization, Streamlining, and Simulation
Creators: Zachary J. Fleishhacker - University of Iowa
Douglas M. Bennion - University of Iowa
Jose Manaligod - University of Iowa
Deborah Kacmarynski - University of Iowa
Bonita Y. Ropp - Univ Iowa Hosp & Clin, Nursing, Iowa City, IA USA
Sohit Kanotra - Univ Iowa Hosp & Clin, Otolaryngol Head & Neck Surg, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), Vol.15(5), e39727
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39727
PMID: 37398737
PMCID: PMC10310310
NLM abbreviation: Cureus
ISSN: 2168-8184
eISSN: 2168-8184
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 9
Language: English
Date published: 05/30/2023
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Surgery; Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984962622802771

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