Demystifying the experience of participating in a root cause analysis: A hermeneutic phenomenological study.

AIM: This study aimed to explore registered nurses' experience participating in a root cause analysis (RCA) meeting because of their involvement in an adverse event. BACKGROUND: An RCA is the most common strategy used by organizations for adverse event investigations. Nursing healthcare professionals directly involved in an adverse event may be asked to participate in the RCA. However, no studies were found in the literature on their experience. METHODS: Semi-structured audio-taped interviews were held with 13 registered nurses who participated in an RCA. Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology guided data analysis. RESULTS: Two structural elements represented the world of the nurses: 1) Learning about an RCA, and 2) being on the other side of the RCA table. Three phenomenological themes emerged: 1) anticipatory and embodied fear, 2) to speak or not to speak, 3) the aftermath. CONCLUSION: Nurses desire RCA education to assist in understanding and support from nurse leaders throughout the process. Healthcare organizations must create a safe and collaborative environment to empower nurses to speak up and have their voices heard during the RCA process. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING LEADERS: Nurses want to participate in RCA meetings. However, leaders must demystify the RCA process for nurses through education and training.

Using a Resuscitation-Based Simulation Activity to Create an Interprofessional Education Activity for Medical, Nursing, and Pharmacy Students.

Introduction: To achieve high-quality, patient-centered care, teaching programs across health professions must prepare their learners to work in effective teams. We created a simulation activity to formatively assess interprofessional objectives in graduating medical, nursing, and pharmacy students. This simulation also gave learners an opportunity to practice clinical airway resuscitation skills. Methods: The simulation featured a decompensating adult asthmatic with a chief complaint of shortness of breath and a final diagnosis of severe asthma exacerbation and respiratory failure. Students completed a prebrief to formulate a plan and then interacted with a mannequin. Faculty led a debriefing and completed assessments of the team's performance. The students completed a questionnaire assessing their own and the team's performance. Results: Four sessions were held over a 2-year period. A total of 91 graduating students participated in the activity: 33 from Baylor College of Medicine, 26 from University of Houston College of Pharmacy, and 28 from Texas Woman's University Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing. Postsession questionnaire data demonstrated very good overall team performance and good individual performance. Student comments demonstrated an understanding of the importance of teamwork and thoughtful reflection on their own areas for improvement. All students rated the activity as valuable and effective. Multirater assessments of the students found that most met three of the four objectives. Discussion: This activity allows for real-time formative assessment with a focus on roles, communication, and managing difficult situations. The debriefing demonstrates the students' understanding of interprofessional goals in providing effective patient-centered care.

Blood transfusions in critical care: improving safety through technology & process analysis.

A multidisciplinary safety initiative transformed blood transfusion practices at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas. An intense analysis of a mistransfusion using the principles of a Just Culture and the process of Cause Mapping identified system and human performance factors that led to the transfusion error. Multiple initiatives were implemented including technology, education and human behaviour change. The wireless technology of Pyxis Transfusion Verification by CareFusion is effective with the rapid infusion module efficient for use in critical care. Improvements in blood transfusion safety were accomplished by thoroughly evaluating the process of transfusions and by implementing wireless electronic transfusion verification technology. During the 27 months following implementation of the CareFusion Transfusion Verification there have been zero cases of transfusing mismatched blood.