Pediatric intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrests: A survey to evaluate if Medical Emergency Teams are utilized in pediatric operating rooms

Abstract

Background Studies have shown that standardized code teams may improve outcomes following cardiac arrests. Pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrests are rare events and are associated with a mortality rate of 18%. There is limited data available regarding use Medical Emergency Team (MET) response to pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study was to identify the use of MET in response to pediatric intraoperative cardiac arrest as an exploratory step in establishing evidence‐based standardized practice across the hospital for training and management of this rare event. Methods An anonymous electronic survey was created and sent to two populations: The Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council, a section of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia, and the Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Collaborative, a multinational collaborative group, which works to improve resuscitation care in children. Standard summary and descriptive statistics were used for survey responses. Results The overall response rate was 41%. The majority of respondents worked in a university affiliated, free‐standing children's hospital. Ninety‐five percent of respondents had a dedicated pediatric MET at their hospital. In 60% of responses from Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Collaborative and 18% of Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council hospitals, the MET responds to pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrest; however, the majority of times MET involvement is requested rather than automatic. The MET was found to be activated intraoperatively for situations other than cardiac arrest such as, massive transfusion events, need for extra staff, and for specialty expertise. In 65% of institutions, simulation‐based training for cardiac arrest is supported but lacking pediatric intra‐operative focus. Conclusions This survey revealed heterogeneity in the composition and response of the medical response teams responding to pediatric intra‐operative cardiac arrests. Improved collaboration and cross training among MET, anesthesia, and operating room nursing may improve outcomes of pediatric intra‐operative code events.

Pediatric anesthesia skills: Black and white or shades of gray?

“…Dear Editor, We read with interest the survey by Charles et al 1 about pediatric intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrests. The data reported about the expertise of the Medical Emergency Team confirmed two critical factors in reducing adverse events during the perioperative period.…”