Educating residents: The effects of a mock code program

Housestaff residents are often the primary participants in codes that occur inn hospital setting, yet it is unknown how much confidence and knowledge they possess in the management of these medical emergencies. A study to learn the effect of a mock code program on residents' level of confidence and knowledge regarding code situations was initiated in a children's tertiary care hospital. Thirty-three residents completed a questionnaire before initiation of the study. The questionnaire revealed that codes scare them (79%), and that they felt a need for more knowledge (76%) and more experience (82%) before supervising a code. They did not feel confident in performing certain procedures such as treating dysrhythmias (79%), obtaining IV access (64%), and doing intubations (30%). Sixteen residents then participated in mock codes, and the other seventeen residents served as controls. Compared to the pre-study questionnaire, residents who had participated in mock codes had more confidence in their ability to supervise and felt less of a need for more knowledge before supervising a code. The participants also felt more confident in obtaining IV access and performing intubations during a code situation. There was no difference in the pre- and post-questionnaires of the control group. Residency programs are not meeting the educational and confidence needs of pediatric residents. A mock code program improves residents' perceived need for more knowledge before supervising a code and improves their confidence in doing many lifesaving procedures.