Anesthesia crisis resource management

ABSTRACT

The critical scenario in which rapid response is needed, for example. Malignant Hyperthermia, occurs rarely. Hence conducting training about such clinical events leaves no alternative but to use simulation. The aims of anesthesia crisis resources management [ACRM] training are to learn principles of complex problem solving, decision making, resource management and team work behavior to improve medical and technical skills. In medical training, simulator can substitute for actual patients and recreate actual clinical environment for anesthesiologists, surgeons, radiologists, cardiologists, gynecologists, etc. for their training. Simulators range from simple mannequin to high fidelity simulators. Mannequin represents the patient, and the participants act as surgeons, anesthetists and operating room assistants in a replica of operation theatre. The high fidelity simulators are programmed to create a special situation which the trainees are required to diagnose and manage the situation and resources accordingly. A panel consisting of consultants and instructors trained in this field are observing and recording all the details on the video tape which is used later on for the debriefing sessions. Simulators have high face validity because they ease trainees' transition to actual patient. Simulators can effectively identify errors and appropriateness of decision making. There is a risk that clinician might acquire inappropriate behavior or develop a false sense of security in their skills that could theoretically lead to harm the patient. The trainees develop an underst and ing that how stresses contribute to the occurrence of error. The ACRM training is an effort to improve our underst and ing about the crisis management aiming at reducing error and ultimately improve patient safety