So you want to conduct a randomised trial? Learnings from a ‘failed’ feasibility study of a Crisis Resource Management prompt during simulated paediatric resuscitation

Background: No study has tested a Crisis Resource Management prompt on resuscitation performance.

Methods: We conducted a feasibility, unblinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial at one Australian paediatric hospital (June–September 2014). Eligible participants were any doctor, nurse, or nurse manager who would normally be involved in a Medical Emergency Team simulation. The unit of block randomisation was one of six scenarios (3 control:3 intervention) with or without a verbal prompt. The primary outcomes tested the feasibility and utility of the intervention and data collection tools. The secondary outcomes measured resuscitation quality and team performance.

Results: Data were analysed from six resuscitation scenarios (n = 49 participants); three control groups (n = 25) and three intervention groups (n = 24). The ability to measure all data items on the data collection tools was hindered by problems with the recording devices both in the mannequins and the video camera.

Conclusions: For a pilot study, greater training for the prompt role and pre-briefing participants about assessment of their cardio-pulmonary resuscitation quality should be undertaken. Data could be analysed in real time with independent video analysis to validate findings. Two cameras would strengthen reliability of the methods.