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Consider a new code
Going forward, we're also talking about creating a special code — in addi-
tion to blue, red, yellow, black and so forth — for whenever there's an
actual MH crisis. That would let people know more quickly what's going on and
how they'll be expected to pitch in once they arrive. MH patients are going to
eventually have to be taken to the ICU, but they're not necessarily going to be in
cardiac arrest, which is what the assumption would be if a code blue is called.
An MH crisis may require different kinds of responses.
Proven improvement
When we pre-tested staff members on their MH understanding, the average
score was 46.6%. After the simulation, it was 80%. Meanwhile, the average self-
rated knowledge and capability score zoomed up from 28% before the simula-
tion to 88% after. Those improvements clearly demonstrate the value of running
realistic drills. We hope we never have an MH crisis, but even more so, we want
to be prepared if we do. After all our hard work, we know we're ready.
OSM
Ms. Yost (courtneyrnfa@att.net) is an OR specialist at
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Irving, Texas.
