'Take 10 to talk about it': Use of a scripted, post-event debriefing tool in a neonatal intensive care unit.

AIM: This study assessed the impact of a scripted, post-event debriefing tool in identifying logistical, procedural, personnel and performance obstacles and successes in a clinical setting. It was predicted that the debriefing tool would highlight the importance of routine debriefing following challenging clinical events. METHODS: The study was conducted in a 22-bed neonatal intensive care unit at a tertiary hospital and involved all staff members in the perinatal service. The debriefing tool, a two-page form providing a structured, scripted approach, was used at the earliest opportunity after acute clinical deteriorations, emergency caesarean sections and any other critical events as decided by the neonatal team. Sessions were facilitated by either a nursing or medical member of the neonatal team. Following a 2-month trial, impact was measured via the comparison of before and after survey questions as well as review of a database of issues raised, subsequent actions and outcomes. RESULTS: Significant, positive changes were observed for survey questions specific to the frequency of debriefing, team communication, provision of learning opportunities and identification of logistical, equipment and procedural issues. In addition, the database highlighted the significant positive impact in day-to-day practice as a result of changes initiated by the debriefing tool. All participants requested the unit to continue using the tool. CONCLUSION: Scripted, post-event debriefing is achievable and valuable in the clinical setting. It encourages a supportive workplace culture and empowers team members to initiate practical change in their organisations.

Improving Simulation Accessibility in a Hospital Setting: Implementing a Simulation Consultation Service.

SUMMARY STATEMENT: This article documents the creation and implementation of a unique approach to translational simulation in a large, tertiary hospital setting. By creating a simulation consultation service, the ethos of translational simulation can be made more accessible to all areas of the hospital. Through the referral-consultation process, simulation exercises can be specifically designed, in conjunction with the referring individual/team, to directly address specific objectives. The service provides a wide range of multiprofession, multidiscipline simulation expertise and ensures simulation facilitation in a consistent, safe, and objective specific manner accessible to all areas of a large, hospital setting.

Outcomes of preterm neonates with frontal horn cysts: a retrospective study.

Isolated paraventricular frontal horn cysts are sometimes encountered on cranial ultrasound examinations of preterm neonates. The etiology and clinical significance of these lesions are unclear. The authors aimed to identify antenatal/intrapartum risk factors associated with the occurrence of these cysts and to assess developmental outcomes of preterm neonates with isolated frontal horn cysts. A retrospective cohort study with matched control design was used. A total of 28 cases were matched for gestation with 56 controls. No antenatal/intrapartum factors were associated with these cysts. At corrected age of 1 year, there was no difference in the mean general quotient between cases and controls (97.75 ± 17.28 vs 94.94 ± 9.86; P = .410). In all, 1 case and no controls had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and 1 case and 3 controls had general quotients less than 80. The authors conclude that isolated paraventricular frontal horn cysts are benign, with no effect on neurodevelopment.