Addressing code response challenges: Development of a pharmacist-focused training program at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract

Introduction

Pharmacists are essential to the multidisciplinary team during code response. Commercially available basic and advanced-life support training programs are not tailored for the depth of medication-specific content essential for pharmacists to competently respond to codes. Opportunities exist to provide additional training to improve pharmacists' code response.

Objective

To develop pharmacist-specific didactic education and hands-on assessments for adult code response.

Methods

At our institution, acute care clinical staff pharmacists attend all adult codes. A mandatory pharmacist training program was designed to meet minimum institutional expectations for code response and address knowledge gaps. The program included three components: (1) online training module, (2) knowledge-based assessment, and (3) hands-on assessment. Pharmacists were surveyed pre- and post-completion of the training program. The surveys consisted of 15 Likert scale questions and open-ended questions. Chi-square tests were used to compare a “positive” response to pre- and post-survey questions. A “positive” response was defined as “Strongly Agree” or “Agree” on the Likert questions.

Results

Seventy-three pharmacists completed the training program with 71 passing the hands-on skills training on the first attempt. The pre- and post-intervention survey was completed by 43/74 (58.1%) and 33/82 (40.2%) of pharmacists, respectively. A statistically significant increase in the number of “positive” survey responses was noted in 7 of the 15 Likert scale questions post-intervention, with nominal improvements in the remaining 8. There were notable improvements in pharmacist perceived familiarity and comfort with medication locations (9% vs. 64%) and preparation (44% vs. 76%), and greater confidence in using available resources.

Conclusion

The pharmacist-specific code response training resulted in notable improvements in disclosed familiarity and comfort with code responsibilities. This training was transitioned into an annual competency module that may be used as a framework for other institutions implementing a similar process to maintain a standard level of competence in code response for pharmacists.