![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to identify evidence-based strategies for the management of emergency equipment.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to discuss the importance of an evidence-based audit checklist to enhance safe delivery of patient care.
Successful life support depends on the availability and functioning of essential resuscitation equipment. Well-established guidelines have advocated for the need to inspect the equipment and drugs in the emergency trolley regularly. The use of an audit checklist guides the inspection process to ensure the availability and functionality of essential equipment should they be needed to deliver timely emergency care to patients.
Aims:
This study aims to identify the problems in the current practices for managing emergency equipment by the use of an audit checklist.
Methods:
Research evidence was sought to develop an 11-criteria evidence based audit checklist. Using this checklist, 60 audits were conducted over 6 months to collect baseline data of persistent gaps in the management of emergency equipment.
A best practice implementation project was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)’s Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRIP) tools to address the identified gaps. Post-implementation audit was carried out.
Results:
Baseline data collection identified 105 of 660 possible gaps (16%) over the 6 months period of audit. These persistent gaps in the management of emergency equipment centred around infrequent checks and documentation of the functional status of the manual resuscitator and laryngoscope. Expired items were also commonly found in the emergency trolley.
Conclusion:
Timely identification of potential lapses in the management of emergency equipment can be achieved by incorporating research evidence into an audit checklist. The JBI’s PACES and GRIP tools can guide the implementation of interventions and monitor the compliance data to enhance the safe delivery of emergency care.
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Evidence-Based Practice Sessions