Evaluation of cause-effect relationship and protocol compliance in code blue calls in a tertiary level hospital

Abstract

Background: Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is a primary emergency that can be reversible and a code blue call is given for this. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the reasons and accuracy of the call-in patients and the intervention results who received a code blue call. Methods: This study was retrospectively evaluated the blue code calls and applications given between 01.01.2019 – 01.06.2020 in a third-level hospital. Results: Out of a total of 199 code blue calls, 40 (20.1%) were found to be incorrect. It was noted that code blue calls from outpatient clinics and imaging units often being incorrect (p < 0.001), made by doctors and nurses were more accurate (p < 0.001), and the accuracy of code blue calls was higher outside working hours (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the study revealed that the rates of spontaneous circulation were higher in patients who received chest compressions before the arrival of the code blue team (p = 0.003). Conclusion: This study strongly emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis, rapid intervention, and effective resuscitation in CPA cases. These results can reference measures to reduce incorrect code blue call rates, and improve patient outcomes in cardiac arrest situations.

Keywords

• cardiopulmonary arrests
• resuscitation
• code blue

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