Malignant hyperthermia: How the lack of regular simulation training threatens patient safety

Alyssa Sicat, Caitlin Bennett, Kendra Homer, Sawsan Shimi, Robert Spafford, Gordon Han, Sarah Rollison

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening pathology which must be accurately managed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) (Bin et al., 2022). This pilot project proposes simulation for CRNAs to mitigate skill decay. Sample: Eight CRNAs employed at a large, mid-Atlantic medical center participated in the project. Methods: CRNAs underwent a blind MH crisis simulation and were evaluated using a Key Action Checklist of MH management guidelines. This was followed by a debrief, MH education, and a postsimulation action-ordering exercise. The exercise was repeated at three months. Results: The mean Key Action Checklist score (out of 20) was 13.81. The postsimulation action-ordering exercise had an average score of 6.86 out of 10. At three months, the average score was 6 out of 10. Conclusion: Data comparison shows trends of skill decay. A larger sample size is needed, however this pilot project identified strengths and challenges for simulation implementation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number101651
JournalClinical Simulation in Nursing
Volume98
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2025

Keywords

  • Anesthesiology
  • Certified registered nurse anesthetist
  • Malignant hyperthermia
  • Nursing
  • Simulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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