Educating Intensive Care Units on the Effectiveness of Targeted Temperature Management after a Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Record ID: 118

Mentorship Award: Excellence in Research Mentoring

Type: Poster Presentation (in-person)

Advisor: Paul Lewis

Abstract: In the United States, the survivability after a cardiac arrest has occurred is statistically poor, with only 9%-36% of patients surviving the event. Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) is a therapy currently being researched to improve the outcomes of these patients. Our PICOT question is, "in patients who have experienced a cardiac arrest, does implementing targeted temperature management improve the patient's outcome compared to those who did not receive targeted temperature management after a cardiac arrest?" The aim of this project is to present the findings of our literature review regarding the effectiveness of TTM on post-cardiac arrest patients to nurses working with this patient population. A comprehensive article search was performed and found that the American Heart Association recommends TTM for adults who have suffered cardiac arrest. An educational session was formulated to provide a basic understanding of TTM, its effectiveness, areas for further research, and the nursing implications of patients undergoing TTM. This will be presented to nurses working in critical care. A didactic pamphlet will be provided to summarize and present our findings and reinforce understanding. A pre-test and post-test will be administered to determine if nurses understood the given information and if this new information will be implemented into their future practices. Results are still pending, however, it is anticipated that the nurses will demonstrate an expanded knowledge of TTM and its effectiveness. Through educating nurses about TTM, it is hoped patients post-cardiac arrest will experience improved outcomes, despite the longstanding history of poor outcomes.