Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Rising patient numbers and limited resources are creating a challenging environment for healthcare providers recently. Anaesthesiologists are also increasingly faced with complex situations, requiring high adaptability in the operating room. To enhance team adaptability during emergencies, effective communication methods are essential. This study aimed to compare the impact of mobile phones and intercoms on the response time and effectiveness of anaesthesiologist teams in emergency situations. DESIGN: Prospective, observational and simulation study. SETTING: Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: This study, conducted at Yokohama City University Medical Center (Yokohama, Japan), evaluated how communication methods (intercoms vs mobile phones) impact the efficiency of anaesthesiologists in the simulation setting. Two scenarios were tested: (1) retrieving a video laryngoscope during a difficult intubation and (2) gathering support during cardiac arrest. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes measured included time to secure equipment, time for assistance to arrive and staff numbers gathered. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the outcomes between the intercom and mobile phone groups. RESULTS: In scenario 1, the time to secure the video laryngoscope was significantly shorter with intercom use compared with mobile phones (intercom vs mobile phone, median (IQR): 29 (25-33) s vs 50 (39-62) s; p=0.013, effect size 20 (95% CI 7 to 31)). In scenario 2, the time from the request for assistance until the first supporting staff member reached the operating room was significantly shorter in using the intercoms (intercom vs mobile phone, median (IQR): 16 (14-18) s vs 35 (31-38) s; p=0.04, effect size 17 (95% CI 6 to 24)), and more personnel were available in the intercom group (intercom vs mobile phone, median (IQR): 3 (3-3.5) persons vs 2 (1-2) persons; p=0.04, effect size 1.5 (95% CI 1 to 3)). CONCLUSION: Real-time information sharing through intercoms improved the ability of the anaesthesiologist team to respond more rapidly and effectively in emergency situations, enhancing overall team adaptability. This approach may improve patients' outcomes by shortening response times and increasing team coordination.