2003 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
THE ROLE OF THE RESPIRATORY THERAPIST IN DECREASING INTUBATION TIME DURING CARDIOPULMONARY ARREST
Earnestine Mikki Thompson RRT MS, Alexander Martinez RN. South Miami
Hospital, Miami Florida.
Background: Respiratory therapists (RTs) play an important role
in airway management during cardiopulmonary arrest. As part of our
role at South Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida, there are several therapist
certified in intubations with one of the criteria for being ACLS
certified. All intubations performed by RTs are tracked and evaluated
for proficiency and performance. After several years of > 95%
success rate of intubations performed by RTs, we continued to look
for a process to improve.
Method: We identified a method of tracking time via the National
Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (NRCPR) and our hospital
wide cardiopulmonary resuscitation committee, in which the respiratory
director acts as chairperson. After reviewing the data, we identified
an opportunity for performance improvement with intubation times.
First, we identified throughout the hospital who intubates and it
showed that most were performed by RTs. (According to 94 events identified
from Pulmonary Division Airway Intubation Record: Jan-Dec 2001 intubations:
RT - 91, physician -1, unknown - 2 = 97%))
Interventions: After review of data collected, we increased
staff awareness (RTs and nurses) of the Performance Improvement (PI)
project and results via department meetings and committee reports.
We performed hospital wide mock codes and demonstrations, stressing
the need to improve intubation time.
RESULTS: We tracked results a year later with NRCPR data, with
the following
RESULTS: Jan-Dec 2001, our median intubation time was 7 minutes compared
to 5 minutes of national comparison. At 2002, we decreased intubation
time by 2 minutes. We continue to monitor results with NRCPR and
continue to provide information to the staff regarding how they are
doing. (See graph)
CONCLUSION: RTS have a definte role in increasing intubation
time, performance and creating an area of improved quality of care,
patient safety and professional satisfaction.