Title : Strengthening patient care assistants (PCAs) and mobility technicians (MTs) emergency response
Abstract:
Background: Early recognition and coordinated response to clinical deterioration are essential components of safe, high-quality care in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where patients are vulnerable to rapidly evolving neurologic and cardiopulmonary emergencies. Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) and Mobility Technicians (MTs) are integral members of the frontline care team whose proximity to patients positions them to recognize changes in clinical status and support timely escalation of care. Despite this critical role, a standardized emergency preparedness curriculum tailored to the scope and responsibilities of PCAs and MTs was not available within the unit, revealing an opportunity to strengthen workforce readiness, role clarity, and confidence during high-risk events.
Evidence supports simulation-based and hybrid education as effective strategies for advancing knowledge, skills, teamwork, and confidence among healthcare professionals; however, existing literature predominantly focuses on licensed nurses and interprofessional clinical teams, with limited attention to assistive personnel. (Elendu et al., 2024; Yi-Chen et al., 2025; Nusser, 2021; Saragih et al., 2024, Collis et al., 2022). Recognizing this practice and educational gap, an Emergency Response Course integrating interactive education and scenario-based simulation was developed to strengthen PCA and MT preparedness for seizure and Code Blue emergencies and promote a more prepared, engaged, and coordinated frontline workforce.
Purpose: The purpose of this initiative was to evaluate the effectiveness of a targeted Emergency Response Course in improving PCAs and MTs self-reported knowledge, confidence, and perceived skills in responding to seizure and Code Blue emergencies.
Method: The PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) model served as the framework for this initiative, focusing on the implementation of Emergency Response Course among PCAs and MTs in Neuro ICU in November 2025.
The emergency response course was delivered in two parts: engaged didactic lecture (July 2026) and hands-on scenario-based simulation (August & September 2026). Simulation scenarios included seizures and cardiac arrest/ code blue, followed by structured debriefings. Survey questions assessed participants self-reported knowledge, confidence, and perceived skills in responding to emergency situations – seizure and cardiac arrest/ Code Blue, using a 5-point Likert scale. Of the 19 participants, eight completed the Emergency Response Course. Pre- and post-course surveys were administered electronically via QR code. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores, frequency distributions, and percentages.
Results: Post-course findings demonstrated higher self-reported ratings across every measured domain of emergency preparedness. The most pronounced change occurred in seizure-response knowledge. Code Blue preparedness also demonstrated higher post-course ratings despite strong baseline scores. Collectively, findings demonstrate consistently higher post-course ratings across both emergency scenarios, with the greatest gain observed in seizure-response knowledge, highlighting the value of targeted, role-specific education and simulation in addressing identified preparedness gaps among PCAs and MTs.
Conclusion: The PCA-MT Emergency Response Course was associated with consistently higher immediate post course ratings of knowledge, confidence, and perceived skills related to seizure and Code Blue response. The greatest improvement in seizure-response knowledge highlights the value of identifying and addressing role specific preparedness gaps among frontline assistive personnel. These findings support targeted education and scenario-based simulation as a promising strategy to strengthen emergency preparedness, reinforce role clarity, and promote a more confident and prepared PCA-MT workforce within the Neuro ICU.
