Mock Codes Save Lives

Resuscitation of patients with cardiac arrest is a team “sport” in which quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and teamwork are as important as medical knowledge. Mock codes are one approach to improve team-based care. These authors assessed whether conducting more mock codes translates into increased survival to hospital discharge for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest.

The study was conducted in an integrated multistate health system of 28 hospitals. A central simulation system provided standardized cardiac arrest scenarios, mannequins, evaluation checklists, and other resources to support mock codes in patient care areas. Mock codes lasted no more than 5 minutes; participants were available hospital staff. Each hospital determ…