Blindfolding Improves Communication in Inexperienced Residents Undergoing ACLS Training

Abstract

Background Closed-loop communication (CLC) is associated with decreased medical errors and improved time-to-task completion during resuscitations. Depriving team leaders of sight during training may accelerate the acquisition of favorable communication skills; however, its effect on the frequency of CLC is unclear, especially with trainees. Objective We assessed the effect of depriving interns of sight during advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) on verbal communication patterns and resuscitation confidence. Methods All interns undergoing ACLS training in June 2019 at a single center were eligible. Interns were randomized to blindfolded training (BT) or standard training (ST). BT team leaders were blindfolded during practice sessions and permitted to use sight during testing. Testing scenarios were video- and audio-recorded. Recordings were assessed for teams' performance and communication patterns. Participants were surveyed for confidence with resuscitation skills before and after ACLS training. Results All 87 eligible interns participated in the study (100% participation). Eighty-five of 87 (98%) interns were included for analysis; 46 were randomized to BT and 39 to ST. Interns in the BT group were significantly more likely to exhibit CLC (mean: BT 20.3, ST 16.6; P = .003), directed communication (mean: BT 4.3, ST 1.5; P < .001), and follower-initiated communication (mean: BT 12.8, ST 10.2; P = .028). There was no significant difference in clinical performance measures or self-reported confidence with resuscitation between BT and ST groups. Conclusions Blindfolding trainees results in greater instances of CLC, directed communication, and follower-initiated communication during ACLS training.

Closed-Loop Communication in Interprofessional Emergency Teams: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study on the Use of Closed-Loop Communication Among Anesthesia Personnel

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Autoconfiança e conhecimento na liderança em atendimento crítico: simulação com a técnica “olhos vendados”

“…Entre as modalidades utilizadas na simulação clínica, a técnica "olhos vendados" está sendo desenvolvida em diversos estudos internacionais, com a utilização de uma estrutura conceitual para organizar o gerenciamento de uma intervenção e pensamento crítico do aprendiz no papel de líder em cenários simulados de Reanimação Cardiorrespiratória (RCP), com ênfase na graduação médica (6,7,8) .…”

Self-confidence and knowledge in leadership in critical care: simulation with the “blindfolded” technique

“…The modalities used in clinical simulation include the "blindfolded" technique, which is developed in several international studies, using a conceptual framework to organize the management of an intervention and critical thinking of the learner in the role of leader in simulated scenarios of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), with emphasis on medical graduation (6,7,8) .…”