Simulation-Based System Analysis: Testing Preparedness for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Cannulation in Pediatric COVID-19 Patients

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus Disease-2019 presents risk to both patients and medical teams. Staff-intensive, complex procedures such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) may increase chances of exposure and spread. This investigation aimed to rapidly deploy an in situ Simulation-based Clinical Systems Testing (SbCST) framework to identify Latent Safety Threats (LSTs) related to ECMO/eCPR initiation during a pandemic. METHODS: The adapted SbCST framework tested systems related to ECMO/eCPR initiation in the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Units. Systems were evaluated in six domains (Resources, Processes/Systems, Facilities, Clinical Performance, Infection Control, and Communication). We conducted three high-fidelity simulations with members from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit General Surgery, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Cardiovascular Surgery (CV), and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit General Surgery teams. Content experts evaluated systems issues during simulation, and LSTs were identified during debriefing. Data were analyzed for frequency of LSTs and trends in process gaps. RESULTS: Sixty-six LSTs were identified across three scenarios. Resource issues comprised the largest category (26%), followed by Process/System issues (24%), Infection Control issues (24%), Communication issues (17%), and Facility and Clinical Performance issues (5% each). LSTs informed new team strategies such as the use of a “door/PPE monitor” and “inside/outside” team configuration. CONCLUSIONS: The adapted SbCST framework identified multiple LSTs related to ECMO/eCPR cannulation and infection control guidelines in the setting of Coronavirus Disease-2019. Through SbCSTs, we developed guidelines to conserve PPE and develop optimal workflows to reduce patient/staff exposure in a high-risk procedure. This project may guide other hospitals to adapt SbCSTs strategies to test/adjust rapidly changing guidelines.