Safer Surgery 374 exposed to highly standardized conditions. However, if complications occur, the candidates are entitled to leave the algorithms for RSI classic and RSI controlled and act as they would do in clinical reality. Observation of Unsafe Actions and Critical Events The observation of unsafe actions and critical events is well established for human factor research using simulator environments (Gaba 1992, Gaba and Howard 2002, Howard et al. 2003, Overly et al. 2007). In this study we aim to evaluate a clinical guideline, applied to paediatric simulation; we are venturing into virtually unexplored territory. We record unsafe actions and critical events using a checklist. Figure 22.2 Flow chart for simulated scenario and stress measurement Time [min] -10 1st saliva sample (pre-stress value) Start of ergospirometry 5 min rest Briefing of scenario 0 Start of scenario Pre-oxygenation RSI classic RSI controlled +10 2nd saliva sample (first stress value) 3 min rest End of ergospirometry +20 3rd saliva sample (second stress value) +40 4th saliva sample (post-stress value) Questionnaire End of trial Simulator-Based Evaluation of Clinical Guidelines in Acute Medicine 375 These are dened as follows: oxygen saturation (SpO 2 ) < 90 percent, heart rate < 80 beats per min, forced mask ventilation with airway pressure (P AW ) > 20 cm H 2 O, esophageal or endobronchial intubation, and more than one intubation attempt. Stress Measurement Our model comprises stress measurement by continuous ergospirometry, analyses of cortisol and alpha-amylase in saliva and a brief post-stress questionnaire. Ergospirometry We measure cardiorespiratory stress by ergospirometry, using a Cortex Metamax 3 B ™ (Cortex Biophysik) (see Figures 22.3 and 22.4). This portable ergospirometry device with face mask comes combined with a Polar T 41 ™ (Polar Electro) heart rate meter. The following parameters are collected: respiratory rate (RR), minute volume (MV), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and heart rate (HR). VO2 measurement is performed at STPD-conditions (Standard Temperature, Pressure, Dry). Figure 22.3 MetaMax 3B ™ Safer Surgery 376 The portability of the ergospirometry device enables measurement of cardiorespiratory strain or stress under realistic working conditions with only minimal discomfort due to face mask, tubing and device. It allows virtually full range of motion for the candidate. Cortex Metamax 3B ™ uses a breath-by-breath technique. During ergospirometry, the candidate wears a breathing mask strapped to his face, breathing through a turbine-equipped volume sensor with a range of 0.05 to 20 l/sec, a sensitivity of 7 ml, and a precision of 2 percent. The oxygen analyser contains an electrochemical cell, allowing a measurement range from 0 to 35 percent. The infrared carbon dioxide sensor measures values from 0 to 13 percent (accuracy 0.1 Vol. percent). Both sensors have a measurement kinetic of 100 ms. Figure 22.4 Candidate with mobile and wireless ergospirometry device attached Simulator-Based Evaluation of Clinical Guidelines in Acute Medicine 377 Ergospirometry data are wirelessly transmitted via telemetry with a maximum range of 1000 m. All parameters are continuously visualized and recorded with Windows ™ -based software (MetaSoft 3.3 ™ , Cortex Biophysik) which allows for processing of the ergospirometry data and which is also compatible with other data-processing software such as Windows Excel ™ . Before each trial (scenario), one-point calibration is performed before the ergospirometry device is attached to the candidates. They are then asked to sit in a comfortable arm chair in a shaded room for ve minutes to relax, to get used to the face mask and to reach their individual cardiorespiratory baseline values on rest. This procedure is repeated after the scenario. The candidates are further advised to talk as little as possible in order to minimize any potential impact on spirometry. This requirement is quite easy to meet as both RSI procedures are highly standardized. After this tuning phase, the candidate is informed about the scenario and the anaesthesia induction technique to be performed (RSI classic or RSI controlled). Then the scenario starts. Finally ergospirometry and recording are discontinued after the ve-minute rest after the scenario. Analysis of Cortisol and Alpha-amylase in Saliva The second column of stress measurement consists of analyses of cortisol and alpha-amylase in saliva. These have been proved to be valid and reliable markers of adrenergic stress response in previous studies (Nater et al. 2006, Müller 2007, Yamaguchi et al. 2006). Cortisol Physical and mental stress is a stimulus for increased cortisol secretion. Cortisol levels can be determined either in serum, plasma or saliva, the latter reecting its biologically effective fraction (Kirschbaum and Hellhammer 1994). Highest concentrations in saliva are seen approximately 20 minutes after the beginning of exposure to stress (Kirschbaum et al. 1995b) (see Figure 22.5). In addition, cortisol follows a circadian rhythm with highest concentrations in the morning and lowest in the afternoon (Table 22.1). Hence we execute all trials in the afternoon between 2 and 6 pm. Gender also has an impact on cortisol levels. During the follicle phase of the female cycle, cortisol values become signicantly lower (Kirschbaum et al. 1995a). To rule out any impact of the female cycle on cortisol levels, we restricted the study to male candidates only. Furthermore, chronic nicotine consumption (e.g., inhalation of cigarette smoke) increases basal cortisol levels but diminishes stress response values whereas age does not have an inuence on cortisol secretion (Kirschbaum and Hellhammer 1994). Alpha-amylase Apart from olfactory and gustatory trigger vegetative (ß2- adrenergic) stimuli provide the main pathway of secretion of alpha-amylase during acute stress response (Chatterton et al. 1996, Nater et al. 2006). This Safer Surgery 378 relation has been validated with volunteers undergoing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). This study showed that stress induced increase of salivary alpha- amylase was related to heart rate, blood pressure and plasma-noradrenaline levels (Rohleder et al. 2004, Nater et al. 2006). Furthermore, van Stegeren et al. (2006) could demonstrate that secretion of salivary alpha-amylase is suppressed by Figure 22.5 Salivary cortisol levels during stress (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) and rest conditions (Nater et al. 2006) Reference intervals Plasma a.m. 62- 195 µg/L (171- 536 nmol/L) p.m. 23- 119 µg/L (64- 327 nmol/L) Saliva a.m. 0,7- 6,9 µg/L (1,90- 19,1 nmol/L) p.m. 0,7- 4,3 µg/L (2,05- 11,9 nmol/L) Source: Methods Sheet Cortisol, version 10, Roche Diagnostics (2005) Table 22.1 Reference intervals for plasma and salivary cortisol Simulator-Based Evaluation of Clinical Guidelines in Acute Medicine 379 non-selective beta-blocker propanolol. However, it remains unknown whether salivary alpha-amylase directly reects noradrenaline release and would hence allow the replacement of the invasive measurement of plasma noradrenaline. Peaks of salivary alpha-amylase are measured approximately 10 to 20 minutes after beginning of stress input and returns rapidly to baseline values (Nater and Rohleder 2005) (Figure 22.6). Lowest salivary concentrations of alpha-amylase are found in the morning immediately after getting up and highest in the evening (Nater et al. 2007b). There are no well-dened reference intervals for salivary alpha-amylase but as we are interested in changes from baseline values only, this should not affect measurements and data interpretation. Salivary ow rate does not have an impact on alpha- amylase concentration in saliva and hence need not be calculated when cotton- wool Salivettes ™ are used (Rohleder et al. 2006). In summary, salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase are valid and reliable parameters to determine adrenergic stress response. Saliva analyses are non-invasive and relatively easy to perform which make them popular for proband studies. However, their slow kinetics do not allow to measure rapid changes but rather peak levels of stress. Saliva Sampling The candidates are advised not to eat, drink or smoke two hours before beginning of the study. For each trial (simulated scenario), we obtain four saliva samples: –10, +10, +20 and +40 minutes from the beginning of the scenario, Figure 22.6 Salivary alpha-amylase and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) in response to stress (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) (Rohleder et al. 2004) Safer Surgery 380 representing pre-stress, stress (two samples), and post-stress conditions (Figure 22.2). As cortisol and alpha-amylase have slightly different peak times we obtain two samples at 10 and 20 minutes. To gain saliva samples, the candidates have to rinse their mouth with water twice before they chew on a cotton roll (Salivette ™ , Sarstedt) for two minutes. The loaded Salivettes ™ are centrifuged at 3000 rpm for ve minutes and then immediately cooled to 5°C. All analyses are performed within 24 hours of collection at the Department for Clinical Chemistry at University Medical Centre Göttingen. According to previous studies, centrifuged salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase samples are stable at 5–8°C for up to ve days (Kirschbaum and Hellhammer 1994, Nater forthcoming). Alpha-amylase in saliva is analysed with a Cobas Integra 800 ™ kit (Roche Diagnostics) which is based on an enzymatic extinction test. Salivary cortisol is determined with an immunoassay using a Cobas Modular Analytics E 170 ™ system (Roche Diagnostics). Post-stress Questionnaire Most simulator-based studies include some kind of self- assessment. Though much debated for its scientic validity, this methodology may help to identify individually perceived attitudes and behaviour (Gaba et al. 1998, Howard et al. 2003). In our study we compare perceived stress and safety levels with objectively measured values. After having obtained the fourth saliva sample, all candidates are asked to ll in a brief post-stress questionnaire which consists of two ratings and one open question: ‘How was your perceived subjective stress level (scale 1–10)? How safe did you feel with the used RSI technique (1–10)? Which unsafe actions or critical events did you notice during the scenario?’ Statistical Analysis All data from demography, observation, ergospirometry, saliva analyses and self-assessment are put into purpose-designed data templates (Excel ™ ). All nine stress values obtained from ergospirometry, saliva analyses and self-assessment, such as respiratory rate, respiratory minute volume, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, heart rate, salivary cortisol and alpha- amylase, stress and safety perception) are dened as dependent variables (DV). These DV will be tested for their dependence on method (RSI technique), professional experience (years in anaesthesiology) and interaction of both. We also aim to correlate stress (measurements and self-perception) with unsafe actions and critical incidents (observation) as well as the three methods of stress measurement (ergospirometry, salivary analyses and perception) with each other. Statistical analyses will be performed with SPSS Version 14. P-values lower than 0.05 will be regarded as signicant. Preliminary Results At time of writing, our pilot study has just started. So far the key features of the model work reliably, including function of the infant simulator with its standardized Simulator-Based Evaluation of Clinical Guidelines in Acute Medicine 381 scenario and trends, observation of unsafe actions and critical incidents, mobile ergospirometry, saliva analyses and self-assessment (questionnaire). Marked physical and mental stress has been induced hitherto in all candidates in the course of the scenarios, indicating an adequate level of suspension of disbelief. This is regarded to be an essential pre-requisite of simulator-based training, assessment and research. So far the scenarios have lasted about four to seven minutes. The main increase in respiratory rate, respiratory minute volume, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and heart rate occur towards intubation of the infant mannequin. Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase peaks are detected at 10 or 20 minutes and return towards baseline at 40 minutes after start of the scenario. Summary Our model of a simulator-based evaluation of clinical guidelines is methodologically feasible, using a combination of observation, stress measurement (ergospirometry and salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase) and self-assessment. Our preliminary data suggest that this evaluation method could endorse future developments of guidelines in acute medicine in order to produce less stress, less unsafe actions and critical incidents, and subsequently increase patient safety. References AHA (2006) American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) of pediatric and neonatal patients: Pediatric advanced life support. Pediatrics 117(5), e1005– 28. Biarent D., Bingham, R., Richmond, S., Maconochie, I. Wyllie, J., Simpson, S., Nunez, A.R. and Zideman, D. (2005) European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation. Section 6. Paediatric life support. Resuscitation 67, Suppl 1, S97–133. Chatterton, R.T., Vogelsong, K.M., Lu, Y.C., Ellman, A.B. and Hudgens, G.A. (1996) Salivary alpha-amylase as a measure of endogenous adrenergic activity. Clinical Physiology 16(4), 433–48. Eich, C., Timmermann, A., Russo, S.G., Wagner-Berger, H. (2007a) Simulator- based evaluation of clinical guidelines exemplary of a modied rapid-sequence- induction (RSI) technique for infants as compared to the classic technique. Simulation in Healthcare 2(3), 205. Eich C., Timmermann A., Russo, S.G., Nickel E.A., McFadzean, J., Rowney, D. and Schwarz, S.K. (2007b) Simulator-based training in paediatric anaesthesia and emergency medicine – thrills, skills and attitudes. British Journal of Anaesthesia 98(4), 417–19. Safer Surgery 382 Eppich, W.J., Adler, M.D., McGaghie, W.C. (2006) Emergency and critical care pediatrics: Use of medical simulation for training in acute pediatric emergencies. Current Opinion in Pediatrics 18(3), 266–71. Gaba, D.M. (1992) Improving anesthesiologists’ performance by simulating reality. Anesthesiology 76(4), 491–4. Gaba, D. and Howard, S. (2002) Patient safety: Fatigue among clinicians and the safety of patients. New England Journal of Medicine 347(16), 1249–55. Gaba, D. Howard, S., Flanagan, B., Smith, B.E., Fish, K.J. and Botney, R. (1998) Assessment of clinical performance during simulated crises using both technical and behavioral ratings. Anesthesiology 89(1), 8–18. Hardman, J. and Wills, J. (2006) The development of hypoxaemia during apnoea in children: A computational modelling investigation. British Journal of Anaesthesia 97(4), 564–70. Howard, S.K., Gaba, D.M., Smith, B.E., Weinger, M.B., Herndon, C., Keshavacharya, S. and Rosekind, M.R. (2003) Simulation study of rested versus sleep-deprived anesthesiologists. Anesthesiology 98(6), 1345–55, discussion 5A. Kirschbaum, C. and Hellhammer, D. (1994) Salivary cortisol in psychoneuroendocrine research: Recent developments and applications. Psychoneuroendocrinology 19(4), 313–33. Kirschbaum, C., Pirke, K.M., Hellhammer, D.H. (1995a) Preliminary evidence for reduced cortisol responsivity to psychological stress in women using oral contraceptive medication. Psychoneuroendocrinology 20(5), 509–14. Kirschbaum, C., Prussner, J., Stone, A.A., Federenko, I., Gaab, J., Lintz, D., Schommer, N. and Hellhammer, D.H. (1995b) Persistent high cortisol responses to repeated psychological stress in a subpopulation of healthy men. Psychosomatic Medicine 57(5), 468–74. Lazarus, R., Deese, J. and Osler, S.F. (1952) The effects of psychological stress upon performance. Psychological Bulletin 49, 293–317. Metz, G.A. (2007) Stress as a modulator of motor system function and pathology. Reviews in the Neurosciences 18(3–4), 209–22. Moorthy, K., Munz, Y., Dosis, A., Bann, S. and Darzi, A. (2003) The effect of stress-inducing conditions on the performance of a laparoscopic task. Surgical Endoscopy 17(9), 1481–4. Morley, P. and Zaritsky, A. (2005) The evidence evaluation process for the 2005 International Consensus Conference on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care science with treatment recommendations. Resuscitation 67, 167–70. Müller, M.P., Fichtner, A., Hardt, F., Hänsel, M., Weber, S., Kirschbaum, C., Eich, C. and Koch, T. (2008) Effects of simulator training on salivary amylase and cortisol levels in intensivists: A pilot study. Simulation in Healthcare 3, 86. Nater, U.K. (forthcoming) Salivary Alpha-Amylase as a marker for stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology Research Frontiers. Simulator-Based Evaluation of Clinical Guidelines in Acute Medicine 383 Nater, U. and Rohleder, N. (2005) Human salivary alpha-amylase reactivity in a psychosocial stress paradigm. International Journal of Psychophysiology 55(3), 333–42. Nater, U., La Marca, R., Florin, L., Moses, A., Langhans, W., Koller, M.M. and Ehlert, U. (2006) Stress-induced changes in human salivary alpha-amylase activity – associations with adrenergic activity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 31(1), 49–58. Nater, U., Moor, C., Okere, U., Stallkamp, R., Martin, M., Ehlert, U. and Kliegel, M. (2007a) Performance on a declarative memory task is better in high than low cortisol responders to psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 32(6), 758–63. Nater, U., Rohleder, N., Schlotz, W., Ehlert, U. and Kirschbaum, C. (2007b) Determinants of the diurnal course of salivary alpha-amylase. Psychoneuroendocrinology 32(4), 392–401. Nolan, J. (2005) European Resuscitation Council guidelines for resuscitation 2005. Section 1. Introduction. Resuscitation 67 Suppl 1, S3–6. Overly, F.L., Sudikoff, S.N. and Shapiro, M.J. (2007) High-delity medical simulation as an assessment tool for pediatric residents’ airway management skills. Pediatric Emergency Care 23(1), 11–15. Roche Diagnostics (2005) Cortisol. Methodenblatt V 10. Rohleder, N., Nater, M., Wolf, J.M., Ehlert, U. and Kirschbaum, C. (2004) Psychosocial stress-induced activation of salivary alpha-amylase: An indicator of sympathetic activity? Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1032, 258–63. Rohleder, N., Wolf, M., Maldonado, E.F. and Kirschbaum, C. (2006) The psychosocial stress-induced increase in salivary alpha-amylase is independent of saliva ow rate. Psychophysiology 43(6), 645–52. Schmidt, J., Strauss, J.K.B, Giest, J. and Schmitz, B. (2007) Recommendation for rapid-sequence induction in children. Anaesth Intensiv Med 48, S88–93. van Stegeren, A., Rohleder, N. et al. (2006) Salivary alpha amylase as marker for adrenergic activity during stress: Effect of betablockade. Psychoneuroendocrinology 31(1), 137–41. Vrijkotte, T.G., van Doornen, L.J. and de Geus, E.J. (2000) Effects of work stress on ambulatory blood pressure heart rate and heart rate variability. Hypertension 35(4), 880–6. Yamaguchi, M., Takeda, K., Onishi, M., Deguchi, M. and Higashi, T. (2006) Non- verbal communication method based on a biochemical marker for people with severe motor and intellectual disabilities. Journal of International Medical Research 34(1), 30–41. . emergency medicine – thrills, skills and attitudes. British Journal of Anaesthesia 98(4), 417 –19. Safer Surgery 382 Eppich, W.J., Adler, M.D., McGaghie, W.C. (2006) Emergency and critical care. performed at STPD-conditions (Standard Temperature, Pressure, Dry). Figure 22.3 MetaMax 3B ™ Safer Surgery 376 The portability of the ergospirometry device enables measurement of cardiorespiratory. alpha-amylase during acute stress response (Chatterton et al. 1996, Nater et al. 2006). This Safer Surgery 378 relation has been validated with volunteers undergoing the Trier Social Stress Test