PreVALE in OT: Preparing for Various Acutely Lethal Events in the Operating Theater

Abstract

Abstract This is a simulation-based, crisis team training course focusing on rarely seen, but acutely life threatening events found specific to the operating theater. After a short didactic PowerPoint slide show describing aspects of teamwork, the team members, comprising a typical operating team consisting of a lead surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist, surgical assistant, and a circulating nurse, experience 4 acute life- threatening events in a simulated operating theater environment. The participants are graded on the speed of recognition of an emergency, the appropriateness of the response, team work and leadership skill displayed, and the actions of the “rescue participants”. Ideally, there would be 8 participants divided into 2 teams, which would alternate on subsequent scenarios between being the primary team and the rescue team. The scenarios are captured on audio and video, and are played back to the participants, with commentary and critique by expert faculty in the various disciplines involved. The four scenarios are 1) an airway fire, 2) massive sudden hemorrhage, 3) a dislodged airway that cannot be reintubated, and 4) an inter-operative myocardial infarction. This course offers the surgical team the opportunity to prepare for and practice events in the operating theater, which, although are rare, are life threatening. Not only were staff able to assess their responses, but were afforded the opportunity to build team work skills. The video debrief allowed course attendees and evaluators to discuss various aspects of the scenario, pointing out skills and abilities that were demonstrated, as well as possible means of improvement.

Keywords

• Teamwork
• Surgical Training