Date of Graduation

Summer 8-13-2026

Document Access

Restricted Project/Capstone - USF access only

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Elizabeth Lopes

Second Advisor

Bob Patterson

Abstract

Objective: Using an escape-room simulation to improve pediatric nurses’ education and confidence in recognizing and responding to malignant hyperthermia (MH) in the peri-anesthesia units at a pediatric hospital in the Bay Area. Research has shown that escape-room simulations can be an effective and engaging way to educate nurses. Aim: The goal of this quality improvement project aims to increase experienced pediatric nurses’ confidence in MH by 25% by August 10, 2026. Methods: Pediatric perioperative and PACU nurses participated in an MH escape-room simulation. Nurses completed surveys before and after the simulation to measure their confidence in five areas: understanding MH, caring for a patient experiencing MH, recognizing early signs and symptoms, locating and preparing the MH emergency cart, and preparing and giving dantrolene. Results: After completing the simulation, 88.9% (48 of 54) of nurses reported increased confidence. About 9.3% reported no change and 1.9% reported a decrease in confidence. Confidence increased in all five areas with the greatest improvement in preparing and giving dantrolene during an MH emergency. Conclusion: The project exceeded its goal of a 25% increase in nurses’ confidence. The MH escape-room simulation improved nurses’ confidence in all five areas of MH recognition and management. From May to August 2026, there were no MH events in the peri-operative and PACU units. The interactive simulation provided nurses with an opportunity to practice responding to a rare but life-threatening emergency in a safe learning environment. Based on these results, the escape-room simulation may be considered as an ongoing educational activity for annual MH competency and staff education.

Download

To download restricted works from off campus you must have a USF email address and use it to create an account for the repository.

  Contact Author

Share

COinS