Are you ready for an office code blue?

Problem being addressed Medical emergencies occur commonly in offices of family physicians, yet many offices are poorly prepared for emergencies. An Internet-based educational video discussing office emergencies might improve the responses of physicians and their staff to emergencies, yet such a tool has not been previously described.

Objective of program To use evidence-based practices to develop an educational video detailing preparation for emergencies in medical offices, disseminate the video online, and evaluate the attitudes of physicians and their staff toward the video.

Program description A 6-minute video was created using a review of recent literature and Canadian regulatory body policies. The video describes recommended emergency equipment, emergency response improvement, and office staff training. Physicians and their staff were invited to view the video online at www.OfficeEmergencies.ca. Viewers’ opinions of the video format and content were assessed by survey (n = 275).

Conclusion Survey findings indicated the video was well presented and relevant, and the Web-based format was considered convenient and satisfactory. Participants would take other courses using this technology, and agreed this program would enhance patient care.