A Hybrid Program Utilizing Heart Code ACLS & BLS with Simulation to Validate Competency

1. A Hybrid Program using Heart Code®ACLS & BLSwith High Fidelity Simulation to Validate Competency. Maribeth Desiongco, MA, RN-BCJennifer Sweeney, MSN, RN, CEN

2. Maribeth Desiongco, MA, RN-BC Jennifer Sweeney, MSN, RN, CEN A Hybrid Program Utilizing Heart Code ACLS & BLS with Simulation to Validate Competency Findings Discussion • The per person cost of the hybrid ACLS class is 25% less than the annual per person cost of the traditional class. • The per person cost of the hybrid BLS class is 48% less than the annual per person cost of the traditional class. • In terms of instructor cost the hybrid class offers a 93% savings compared to the traditional course Methods Average Cost Per Participant A hybrid program utilizing the Heart Code modules followed by a skills validation utilizing our high fidelity simulators was proposed. Background • Before SMHCS began offering Heart Code ACLS & BLS courses via Health Stream, the options for certification courses were limited. • SMHCS offered only traditional courses with BLS being offered monthly and ACLS offered quarterly. • Classes could only be offered during normal business hours which made them inconvenient for staff working night and swing shifts. • Managers were also dissatisfied with the high cost and disruption to their scheduling practices. • AHA’s Heart Code program alone lacked hands on team building and team response competency training and validation. • High staff satisfaction in the flexibility • Leadership team appreciates the savings in • time and resources • Educators prefer the ability to validate • competency in person • The simulated codes promote team building • and interdisciplinary communication. graphic goes here • Participants are assigned the didactic portion of Heart Code ACLS or BLS via their Health Stream account. • Once completed, they attend an ACLS & BLS skills simulation offered monthly to validate skills • Simulation sessions are an hour long and utilize the actual testing scenarios presented in the traditional ACLS and BLS courses. • By utilizing simulation, we can assess each participant’s ability to function and communicate successfully with their team members during a realistic emergency situation. • We are able to better assess and verify competency of both technical and non-technical skills in an environment similar to what they may encounter in the hospital, but with no risk to the patients. graphic goes here Average Annual Instructor Cost