Hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation practice in the United States: a nationally representative survey

Critical care nurses' experiences of caring challenges during post-resuscitation period: a qualitative content analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients in the post-resuscitation period experience critical conditions and require high-quality care. Identifying the challenges that critical care nurses encounter when caring for resuscitated patients is essential for improving the quality of their care.

AIM

This study aimed to identify the challenges encountered by critical care nurses in providing care during the post-resuscitation period.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Sixteen nurses working in the intensive care units of three teaching hospitals were selected through purposive sampling. The Data collected were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Participants experienced individual, interpersonal, and organizational challenges when providing post-resuscitation care. The most significant challenges include inadequate clinical knowledge and experience, poor management and communication skills, lack of support from nurse managers, role ambiguity, risk of violence, and inappropriate attitudes of physicians towards nurses' roles. Additionally, nurses expressed a negative attitude towards resuscitated patients.

CONCLUSION

Critical care nurses face several challenges in providing care for resuscitated patients. To enhance the quality of post-resuscitation care, address the challenges effectively and improve long-time survival it is crucial to implement interventions such as In-service education, post-resuscitation briefing, promotion of interprofessional collaboration among healthcare teams, providing sufficient human resources, clarifying nurses' roles in the post-resuscitation period and increasing support from nursing managers.

Pediatric Chest Compression Improvement Via Augmented Reality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Feedback in Community General Emergency Departments: A Mixed-Methods Simulation-Based Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Yearly, more than 20,000 children experience a cardiac arrest. High-quality pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is generally challenging for community hospital teams, where pediatric cardiac arrest is infrequent. Current feedback systems are insufficient. Therefore, we developed an augmented reality (AR) CPR feedback system for use in many settings.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate whether AR-CPR improves chest compression (CC) performance in non-pediatric-specialized community emergency departments (EDs).

METHODS

We performed an unblinded, randomized, crossover simulation-based study. A convenience sample of community ED nonpediatric nurses and technicians were included. Each participant performed three 2-min cycles of CC during a simulated pediatric cardiac arrest. Participants were randomized to use AR-CPR in one of three CC cycles. Afterward, participants participated in a qualitative interview to inquire about their experience with AR-CPR.

RESULTS

Of 36 participants, 18 were randomized to AR-CPR in cycle 2 (group A) and 18 were randomized to AR-CPR in cycle 3 (group B). When using AR-CPR, 87-90% (SD 12-13%) of all CCs were in goal range, analyzed as 1-min intervals, compared with 18-21% (SD 30-33%) without feedback (p < 0.001). Analysis of qualitative themes revealed that AR-CPR may be usable without a device orientation, be effective at cognitive offloading, and reduce anxiety around and enhance confidence in the CC delivered.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel CPR feedback system, AR-CPR, significantly changed the CC performance in community hospital non-pediatric-specialized general EDs from 18-21% to 87-90% of CC epochs at goal. This study offers preliminary evidence suggesting AR-CPR improves CC quality in community hospital settings.

Feasibility of accelerated code team activation with code button triggered smartphone notification

INTRODUCTION

Studies support rapid interventions to improve outcomes in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. We sought to decrease the time to code team activation and improve dissemination of patient-specific data to facilitate targeted treatments.

METHODS

We mapped code blue buttons behind each bed to patients through the electronic medical record. Pushing the button sent patient-specific data (admitting diagnosis, presence of difficult airway, and recent laboratory values) through a secure messaging system to the responding teams' smartphones. The code button also activated a hospital-wide alert through the operator. We piloted the system on seven medicine inpatient units from November 2019 through May 2022. We compared the time from code blue button press to smartphone message receipt vs traditional operator-sent overhead page.

RESULTS

The code button was the primary mode of code team activation for 12/35 (34.3%) cardiac arrest events. The code team received smartphone notifications a median of 78 s (IQR = 47-127 s) before overhead page. The median time to adrenaline administration for codes activated with the code button was not significantly different (240 s (IQR 142-300 s for code button) vs 148 s (IQR = 34-367 s) for overhead page, p = 0.89). Survival to discharge was 3/12 (25.0%) for codes activated with the code button vs 4/23 (17.4%) when activated by calling the operator (p = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a smartphone-based code button notification system reduced time to code team activation by 78 s. Larger cohorts are necessary to assess effects on patient outcomes.

Variations in Code Team Composition During Different Times of Day and Week and by Level of Hospital Complexity

BACKGROUND

Previous data demonstrated lower survival rates of in-hospital cardiac arrests during nights and weekends compared to weekday daytime. This study aimed to evaluate variations of personnel attending to codes based on day/night/weekend conditions within the US Veterans Affairs (VA) system, as well as variations of personnel responsible for intubations during codes.

METHODS

Hospital leaders were surveyed regarding code team membership, leadership, and intubations during four time periods (weekday daytime, weekday nighttime, weekend daytime, and weekend nighttime).

RESULTS

Surveys were completed for 93 of 123 eligible VA hospitals (response rate of 75.6%). Code teams were significantly smaller during "off-hours." Membership in code teams during regular vs. off-hours was significantly greater for ICU physicians (44.1% vs. 7.5%-15.0%, p < 0.001), anesthesiologists (34.4% vs. 12.9%, p < 0.001), and pharmacists (46.2% vs. 23.7%-26.9%, p < 0.01). Significant differences were found for codes led by ICU attendings (20.4% vs. 5.4%-7.5%, p < 0.05) and intubations performed by ICU attendings (21.5% vs. 6.5%-10.8%, p < 0.05). ICU-based physicians were team leaders more often in high-complexity hospitals (19.7%-50.0% vs. 0%-14.8%), while hospitalists led the majority in the low-complexity hospitals (28.8%-39.4% vs. 63.0%-70.4%). ICU physicians had significantly less involvement in code intubations in low-complexity hospitals (6.1%-22.7% vs. 3.7%-18.5%), while respiratory therapists took on most of this responsibility in low-complexity hospitals and particularly at night.

CONCLUSION

This study found significant differences in code team composition, leadership, and intubation responsibilities between regular and off-hours. Low-complexity hospitals, which are generally rural, had team compositions and responsibilities that were visibly different from higher-complexity hospitals.

National Survey: How Do We Approach the Patient at Risk of Clinical Deterioration outside the ICU in the Spanish Context?

BACKGROUND

Anticipating and avoiding preventable intrahospital cardiac arrest and clinical deterioration are important priorities for international healthcare systems and institutions. One of the internationally followed strategies to improve this matter is the introduction of the Rapid Response Systems (RRS). Although there is vast evidence from the international community, the evidence reported in a Spanish context is scarce.

METHODS

A nationwide cross-sectional research consisting of a voluntary 31-question online survey was performed. The Spanish Society of Intensive, Critical and Coronary Care Medicine (SEMICYUC) supported the research.

RESULTS

We received 62 fully completed surveys distributed within 13 of the 17 regions and two autonomous cities of Spain. Thirty-two of the participants had an established Rapid Response Team (RRT). Common frequency on measuring vital signs was at least once per shift but other frequencies were contemplated (48.4%), usually based on professional criteria (69.4%), as only 12 (19.4%) centers used Early Warning Scores (EWS) or automated alarms on abnormal parameters. In the sample, doctors, nurses (55%), and other healthcare professionals (39%) could activate the RRT via telephone, but only 11.3% of the sample enacted this at early signs of deterioration. The responders on the RRT are the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), doctors, and nurses, who are available 24/7 most of the time. Concerning the education and training of general ward staff and RRT members, this varies from basic to advanced and specific-specialized level, simulating a growing educational methodology among participants. A great number of participants have emergency resuscitation equipment (drugs, airway adjuncts, and defibrillators) in their general wards. In terms of quality improvement, only half of the sample registered RRT activity indicators. In terms of the use of communication and teamwork techniques, the most used is clinical debriefing in 29 centers.

CONCLUSIONS

In terms of the concept of RRS, we found in our context that we are in the early stages of the establishment process, as it is not yet a generalized concept in most of our hospitals. The centers that have it are in still in the process of maturing the system and adapting themselves to our context.

Paediatric chest compression performance improves via novel augmented-reality cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback system: A mixed-methods pilot study in a simulation-based setting

Aim

More than 20,000 children experience a cardiac arrest event each year in the United States. Most children do not survive. High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been associated with improved outcomes yet adherence to guidelines is poor. We developed and tested an augmented reality head mounted display chest compression (CC) feedback system (AR-CPR) designed to provide real-time CC feedback and guidance.

Methods

We conducted an unblinded randomized crossover simulation-based study to determine whether AR-CPR changes a user's CC performance. A convenience sample of healthcare providers who perform CC on children were included. Subjects performed three two-minute cycles of CC during a simulated 18-minute paediatric cardiac arrest. Subjects were randomized to utilize AR-CPR in the second or third CC cycle. After, subjects participated in a qualitative portion to inquire about their experience with AR-CPR and offer criticisms and suggestions for future development.

Results

There were 34 subjects recruited. Sixteen subjects were randomly assigned to have AR-CPR in cycle two (Group A) and 18 subjects were randomized to have AR-CPR in cycle three (Group B). There were no differences between groups CC performance in cycle one (baseline). In cycle two, subjects in Group A had 73% (SD 18%) perfect CC epochs compared to 17% (SD 26%) in Group B (p < 0.001). Overall, subjects enjoyed using AR-CPR and felt it improved their CC performance.

Conclusion

This novel AR-CPR feedback system showed significant CC performance change closer to CC guidelines. Numerous hardware, software, and user interface improvements were made during this pilot study.

Improving Capnography Use for Critically Ill Emergency Patients: An Implementation Study

OBJECTIVES

Capnography has established benefit during intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Implementation within emergency departments (EDs) has lagged. We sought to address barriers to improve documented capnography use for patients requiring intubation or CPR.

METHODS

A controlled before- and after-implementation study was performed in 2 urban EDs. The control site had an existing policy for capnography use. Interventions for the experimental site included a 5-minute informational video, placement of capnography monitors with a shortened warm-up period in all resuscitation rooms, laminated reminder cards, and feedback during staff meetings. Staff members were surveyed about knowledge before and after the intervention. Records were reviewed for documented capnography use for 3 months before and 6 months after the intervention. Change in documented use at the experimental site was compared with the control site.

RESULTS

At the experimental site, 118 providers participated and 190 records were reviewed; 544 records were reviewed from the control site. There was a significant increase in the proportion of documented capnography use at the experimental site (8% versus 19%, P = 0.04) compared with the control site (64% versus 71%, P = 0.10). However, there was no significant trend over time at the experimental site after the intervention (P = 0.86). Despite high baseline knowledge about capnography, providers had improvements in survey responses regarding indications for intubation and CPR, normal values, and minimum effective values during CPR.

CONCLUSIONS

Documented capnography use increased with simple interventions but with no positive trend. Additional work is needed to improve use, including further evaluation of capnography's implementation in the ED.

Code Team Structure and Training in the Pediatric Resuscitation Quality International Collaborative

OBJECTIVES

Code team structure and training for pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest are variable. There are no data on the optimal structure of a resuscitation team. The objective of this study is to characterize the structure and training of pediatric code teams in sites participating in the Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Collaborative.

METHODS

From May to July 2017, an anonymous voluntary survey was distributed to 18 sites in the international Pediatric Resuscitation Quality Collaborative. The survey content was developed by the study investigators and iteratively adapted by consensus. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

All sites have a designated code team and hospital-wide code team activation system. Code team composition varies greatly across sites, with teams consisting of 3 to 17 members. Preassigned roles for code team members before the event occur at 78% of sites. A step stool and backboard are used during resuscitations in 89% of surveyed sites. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback is used by 72% of the sites. Of those sites that use CPR feedback, all use an audiovisual feedback device incorporated into the defibrillator and 54% use a CPR coach. Multidisciplinary and simulation-based code team training is conducted by 67% of institutions.

CONCLUSIONS

Code team structure, equipment, and training vary widely in a survey of international children's hospitals. The variations in team composition, role assignments, equipment, and training described in this article will be used to facilitate future studies regarding the impact of structure and training of code teams on team performance and patient outcomes.

[Ethics of resuscitation and end of life decisions]

These European Resuscitation Council Ethics guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the ethical, routine practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care of adults and children. The guideline primarily focus on major ethical practice interventions (i.e. advance directives, advance care planning, and shared decision making), decision making regarding resuscitation, education, and research. These areas are tightly related to the application of the principles of bioethics in the practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care.

Discordant Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Code Status at Death

CONTEXT

One fundamental way to honor patient autonomy is to establish and enact their wishes for end-of-life care. Limited research exists regarding adherence with code status.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempts discordant with documented code status at the time of death in the U.S. and to elucidate potential contributing factors.

METHODS

The Cerner Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) outcomes database, which includes 237 U.S. hospitals that collect manually abstracted data from all critical care patients, was queried for adults admitted to intensive care units with a documented code status at the time of death from January 2008 to December 2016. The primary outcome was discordant CPR at death. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify patient-level and hospital-level associated factors after adjustment for age, hospital, and illness severity (APACHE III score).

RESULTS

A total of 21,537 patients from 56 hospitals were included. Of patients with a do-not-resuscitate code status, 149 (0.8%) received CPR at death, and associated factors included black race, higher APACHE III score, or treatment in small or nonteaching hospitals. Of patients with a full code status, 203 (9.0%) did not receive CPR at death, and associated factors included higher APACHE III score, primary neurologic or trauma diagnosis, or admission in a more recent year.

CONCLUSION

At the time of death, 1.6% of patients received or did not undergo CPR in a manner discordant with their documented code statuses. Race and institutional factors were associated with discordant resuscitation, and addressing these disparities may promote concordant end-of-life care in all patients.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Ethics of resuscitation and end of life decisions

These European Resuscitation Council Ethics guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the ethical, routine practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care of adults and children. The guideline primarily focus on major ethical practice interventions (i.e. advance directives, advance care planning, and shared decision making), decision making regarding resuscitation, education, and research. These areas are tightly related to the application of the principles of bioethics in the practice of resuscitation and end-of-life care.

The Use of Rapid Response Teams to Reduce Failure to Rescue Events: A Systematic Review

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence on the impact of rapid response teams (RRTs) on failure to rescue events.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted using CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and Cochrane, for articles published from 2008 to 2018. English-language, peer-reviewed articles reporting the impact of RRTs on failure to rescue events, including hospital mortality and in-hospital cardiac arrest events, were included. For selected articles, the authors abstracted information, with the study designed to be compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

Ten articles were identified for inclusion: 3 meta-analyses, 3 systematic reviews, and 4 single studies. The systematic reviews and meta-analyses were of moderate-to-high quality, limited by the methodological quality of the included individual studies. The single studies were both observational and investigational in design. Patient outcomes included hospital mortality (8 studies), in-hospital cardiac arrests (9 studies), and intensive care unit (ICU) transfer rates (5 studies). There was variation in the composition of RRTs, and 4 studies conducted subanalyses to examine the effect of physician inclusion on patient outcomes.

Conclusions

There is moderate evidence linking the implementation of RRTs with decreased mortality and non-ICU cardiac arrest rates. Results linking RRT to ICU transfer rates are inconclusive and challenging to interpret. There is some evidence to support the use of physician-led teams, although evaluation of team composition was variable. Lastly, the benefits of RRTs may take a significant period after implementation to be realized, owing to the need for change in safety culture.

Racial disparities in survival outcomes following pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Among adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), overall survival is lower in black patients compared to white patients. Data regarding racial differences in survival for pediatric IHCA are unknown.

METHODS

Using 2000-2017 data from the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation® registry, we identified children >24 h and <18 years of age with IHCA due to an initial pulseless rhythm. We used generalized estimation equation to examine the association of black race with survival to hospital discharge, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and favorable neurologic outcome at discharge.

RESULTS

Overall, 2940 pediatric patients (898 black, 2042 white) at 224 hospitals with IHCA were included. The mean age was 3.0 years, 57% were male and 16% had an initial shockable rhythm. Age, sex, interventions in place at the time of arrest and cardiac arrest characteristics did not differ significantly by race. The overall survival to discharge was 36.9%, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 73%, and favorable neurologic survival was 20.8%. Although black race was associated with lower rates of ROSC compared to white patients (69.5% in blacks vs. 74.6% in whites; risk-adjusted OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.94, P = 0.016), black race was not associated with survival to discharge (34.7% in blacks vs. 37.8% in whites; risk-adjusted OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.80-1.15, P = 0.68) or favorable neurologic outcome (18.7% in blacks vs. 21.8% in whites, risk-adjusted OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80-1.20, p = 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to adults, we did not find evidence for racial differences in survival outcomes following IHCA among children.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Feedback: A Comparison of Device-Measured and Self-Assessed Chest Compression Quality

BACKGROUND

High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the foundation of cardiac arrest care. Guidelines specify chest compression depth, recoil, and rate, but providers often fail to achieve these targets. Furthermore, providers are largely unable assess the quality of their own or other peoples' chest compressions. Chest compression feedback devices can improve chest compression quality; their use is endorsed internationally, but they remain largely absent in clinical care. This article analyzes preclinical data collected during a quality improvement project. It describes provider demographics and perceptions about their chest compression quality and correlates them to measured chest compression quality, compares clinician perception of chest compressions to objective measures, and describes the effect of feedback on compression quality.

METHODS

Clinicians were recruited from 2 metropolitan emergency departments. A questionnaire was used to assess participants' levels of training and experience. A before-and-after assessment of chest compression quality was performed using a Laerdal CPRmeter 2 and a CPR mannequin. Pretest measures of chest compression quality were made by covering the device screen thereby blinding providers to feedback; repeat measures were then collected from the same participants but unblinded to feedback. Provider charecteristic were collected by survey. Correlations between blinded chest compression quality and provider charecteristics; the reliability of providers estimated compared to measured quality; and the effects of feedback on chest compression quality were assessed using Pearsons correlations, Cohens κ, and paired t testing.

RESULTS

84 participants were assessed. The mean years of certification were 11.74. Ninty-five percent of the providers self-assessed as more experienced than novice and 81% reported performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation at least occasionally. The frequency of performing chest compressions was correlated with self-assessed skill (r = 0.58, P < .001). However, self-assessed skill was only weakly correlated with chest compression quality (r = 0.29, P = .01) and not at all with the frequency of performing chest compressions or years of certification. There was no agreement between self-assessed and device-measured chest compression depth (κ = -0.10, P = 0.11), recoil (κ = -0.14, P = .03), or rate (κ = 0.06, P =.30). The overall quality of compressions improved by 16.9%; the percentage of chest compressions achieving target depth by 3.58%; recoil by 22.82%; and rate by 23.66% with feedback. A total of 97.6% of the staff rated chest compression feedback helpful.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that participants' demographics were not correlated with chest compression quality and that providers cannot reliably assess chest compression quality. The data also demonstrate that with minimal training, feedback can significantly improve chest compression quality.

Impact of an untrained CPR Coach in simulated pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest: A pilot study

Aim

To determine if an untrained cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Coach, with no access to real-time CPR feedback technology, improves CPR quality.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized pilot study at a tertiary care children's hospital that aimed to integrate an untrained CPR Coach into resuscitation teams during simulated pediatric cardiac arrest. Simulation events were randomized to two arms: control (no CPR Coach) or intervention (CPR Coach). Simulations were run by pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) providers and video recorded. Scenarios focused on full cardiopulmonary arrest; neither team had access to real-time CPR feedback technology. The primary outcome was CPR quality. Secondary outcomes included workload assessments of the team leader and CPR Coach using the NASA Task Load Index and perceptions of CPR quality.

Results

Thirteen simulations were performed; 5 were randomized to include a CPR Coach. There was a significantly shorter duration to backboard placement in the intervention group (median 20 s [IQR 0–27 s] vs. 52 s [IQR 38–65 s], p = 0.02). There was no self-reported change in the team leader's workload between scenarios using a CPR Coach compared to those without a CPR Coach. There were no significant changes in subjective CPR quality measures.

Conclusions

In this pilot study, inclusion of an untrained CPR Coach during simulated CPR shortened time to backboard placement but did not improve most metrics of CPR quality or significantly affect team leader workload. More research is needed to better assess the value of a CPR Coach and its potential impact in real-world resuscitation.

The impact of resuscitation system factors on in-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes across UK hospitals: An observational study

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To explore whether variation in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survival can be explained by differences in resuscitation service provision across UK acute hospitals.

METHODS

We linked information on key clinical practices with patient data of adults who had a cardiac arrest on a general hospital ward or emergency admissions unit in 2016/17. We used multi-level Bayesian models to explore associations between system quality indicators (number of resuscitation officers, audits time to first shock, review unexpected non-survivors, arrest team meets at handover, hot debrief, cold debrief, real-time audio-visual feedback, frequency of mock arrest provision) and adjusted hospital survival.

RESULTS

We received survey responses from 110 out of 180 eligible hospitals (response rate 61%) relating to 12,285 cardiac arrest cases. Variation across trusts was observed in the number of resuscitation officers (median 0.7 (interquartile range 0.5, 0.9) per 750 clinical staff employed. Key system quality indicators were undertaken infrequently: audit of time to first shock (44.7%), arrest team meeting at handover (28.9%), mock arrests ≥ monthly (22.4%), and use of CPR feedback devices (18.4%). The probability that the system quality indicators had a positive effect on hospital survival ranged from 10% to 89%. However, there was uncertainty in the estimated odds ratios and we cannot exclude the possibility of a clinical benefit. Findings were consistent across secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we identified variation in implementation of system quality indicators. Amongst hospitals that responded to our survey, the probability that individual factors increase the odds of hospital survival ranges from 10 to 89%.

Increasing Internal Medicine Resident Confidence in Leading Inpatient Cardiopulmonary Resuscitations and Improving Patient Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Residents do not feel confident or competent in leading inpatient resuscitations. This is a crucial part of training future internists. Our objective was to develop a low-cost intervention to improve resident confidence in leading cardiopulmonary resuscitations and patient outcomes.

METHODS

A "code-conference" including a lecture on a high-yield topic, a low-fidelity simulation, and review of resident-led resuscitations was created at our institution for the 2017-2018 academic year. Patient outcomes were assessed using objective measures of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to discharge (sDC). Confidence was assessed via survey before and after the intervention, with a focus on beginning postgraduate year 2 (PGY-2) residents.

RESULTS

In 2017, 8 out of 8 (100%) PGY-2 residents responded, while in 2018, 8 out of 10 (80%) responded. Patient outcomes did not show a statistically significant improvement. There was a trend toward positive outcomes in the resident group alone. Return of spontaneous circulation increased from 63% to 79% (P = .08, total n = 97). Resident confidence was not improved in a statistically significant way, but there was a trend toward improvement and residents agreed it was an important part of their training.

DISCUSSION

There was no statistically significant improvement in code-blue outcomes; however, there was a positive trend with increased ROSC and stable sDC for resident-led resuscitations, despite hospital-wide decreases in both. Resident confidence also showed a positive trend with no statistical significant changes. It is possible to institute a low-cost high-yield intervention to improved resident confidence in leading code-blue resuscitations. It may also improve patient outcomes; however, further studies are needed to determine if it can improve patient survival outcomes.

Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality After Rapid Response Team Calls in a 274 Hospital Nationwide Sample

OBJECTIVES

Despite wide adoption of rapid response teams across the United States, predictors of in-hospital mortality for patients receiving rapid response team calls are poorly characterized. Identification of patients at high risk of death during hospitalization could improve triage to intensive care units and prompt timely reevaluations of goals of care. We sought to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients who are subjects of rapid response team calls and to develop and validate a predictive model for death after rapid response team call.

DESIGN

Analysis of data from the national Get with the Guidelines-Medical Emergency Team event registry.

SETTING

Two-hundred seventy four hospitals participating in Get with the Guidelines-Medical Emergency Team from June 2005 to February 2015.

PATIENTS

282,710 hospitalized adults on surgical or medical wards who were subjects of a rapid response team call.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was death during hospitalization; candidate predictors included patient demographic- and event-level characteristics. Patients who died after rapid response team were older (median age 72 vs 66 yr), were more likely to be admitted for noncardiac medical illness (70% vs 58%), and had greater median length of stay prior to rapid response team (81 vs 47 hr) (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). The prediction model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.78-0.79), with systolic blood pressure, time since admission, and respiratory rate being the most important variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who die following rapid response team calls differ significantly from surviving peers. Recognition of these factors could improve postrapid response team triage decisions and prompt timely goals of care discussions.

Rapid Response and Cardiac Arrest Teams: A Descriptive Analysis of 103 American Hospitals

Despite improvements in the management of in-hospital cardiac arrest over the past decade, in-hospital cardiac arrest continues to be associated with poor prognosis. This has led to the development of rapid response systems, hospital-wide efforts to improve patient outcomes by centering on prompt identification of decompensating patients, expert clinical management, and continuous quality improvement of processes of care. The rapid response system may include cardiac arrest teams, which are centered on identification and treatment of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. However, few evidence-based guidelines exist to guide the formation of such teams, and the degree of their variation across the United States has not been well described.

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional, internet-based survey.

SETTING

Cohort of preidentified clinicians involved in their hospital's adult rapid response system across the United States.

SUBJECTS

Clinicians who had been identified by study team members using personal and professional contacts over a 7-month period from June 2018 to December 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

An 80-item survey was developed by the investigators. It sought information on the afferent (identification and notification of providers) and efferent (response of providers to patient) limbs of the rapid response system, as well as management of patients post in-hospital cardiac arrest.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

One-hundred fourteen surveys were distributed. Of these, 109 (96%) were completed. Six were duplicates and were excluded, leaving a total of 103 surveys from 103 hospitals in 30 states. Seventy-six percent of hospitals were academic, 30% were large hospitals (> 750 inpatient beds), and 58% had large ICUs (> 50 ICU beds). We found wide variation in the structure and function in both the afferent and efferent limbs of the rapid response system. The majority of hospitals had a rapid response team and a cardiac arrest team. Most rapid response teams contained a provider, a critical care nurse, and a respiratory therapist. In hospitals with training programs in internal medicine, anesthesia, emergency medicine, or critical care, 45% of rapid response teams and 75% of cardiac arrest teams were led by trainees, with inconsistent attending presence. Targeted temperature management and coronary catheterization were widely used post in-hospital cardiac arrest, but indications varied considerably.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated substantial variation in the structure and function of rapid response systems as well as in management of patients during and after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation practices in the Netherlands: results from a nationwide survey

Background

Survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrest are low and vary across hospitals. The ERC guidelines state that more research is needed to explore factors that could influence survival. Research into the role of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) practices is scarce. The goal of this survey is to gain information about CPR practices among hospitals in the Netherlands.

Methods

A survey was distributed to all Dutch hospital organizations (n = 77). Items investigated were general hospital characteristics, pre-, peri- and post-resuscitation care. Characteristics were stratified by hospital teaching status.

Results

Out of 77 hospital organizations, 71 (92%) responded to the survey, representing 99 locations. Hospitals were divided into three categories: university hospitals (8%), teaching hospitals (64%) and non-teaching hospitals (28%). Of all locations, 96% used the most recent guidelines for Advanced Life Support and 91% reported the availability of a Rapid Response System. Training frequencies varied from twice a year in 41% and once a year in 53% of hospital locations. The role of CPR team leader and airway manager is most often fulfilled by (resident) anaesthetists in university hospitals (63%), by emergency department professionals in teaching hospitals (43%) and by intensive care professionals in non-teaching hospitals (72%). The role of airway manager is most often attributed to (resident) anaesthetists in university hospitals (100%), and to intensive care professionals in teaching (82%) and non-teaching hospitals (79%).

Conclusion

The majority of Dutch hospitals follow the ERC guidelines but there are differences in the presence of an ALS certified physician, intensity of training and participation of medical specialties in the fulfilment of roles within the CPR-team.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-4166-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rapid response systems in Korea

The inpatient treatment process is becoming more and more complicated with advanced treatments, aging of the patient population, and multiple comorbidities. During the process, patients often experience unexpected deterioration, about half of which might be preventable. Early identification of patient deterioration and the proper response are priorities in most healthcare facilities. A rapid response system (RRS) is a safety net to identify antecedents of these adverse events and to respond in a timely manner. The RRS has become an essential part of the medical system worldwide, supported by all major quality improvement organizations. An RRS consists of a trigger system and response team and needs constant assessment and process improvement. Although the effectiveness and cost-benefit of RRS remain controversial, according to previous studies, it may be beneficial by decreasing in-hospital cardiac arrest and mortality. Since the first implementation of RRS in Korea in 2008, it has been developed in over 15 medical centers and continues to expand. Recent accreditation standards and an RRS pilot program by the Korean government will promote the proliferation of RRSs in Korea.

Characterising variation in composition and activation criteria of rapid response and cardiac arrest teams: a survey of Medicare participating hospitals in five American states

OBJECTIVES

To characterise the variation in composition, leadership, and activation criteria of rapid response and cardiac arrest teams in five north-eastern states of the USA.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study consisting of a voluntary 46-question survey of acute care hospitals in north-eastern USA.

SETTING

Acute care hospitals in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS

Surveys were completed by any member of the rapid response team (RRT) with a working knowledge of team composition and function. Participants were all Medicare-participating acute care hospitals, including teaching and community hospitals as well as hospitals from rural, urban and suburban areas.

RESULTS

Out of 378 hospitals, contacts were identified for 303, and 107 surveys were completed. All but two hospitals had an RRT, 70% of which changed members daily. The most common activation criteria were clinical concern (95%), single vital sign abnormalities (77%) and early warning score (59%). Eighty one per cent of hospitals had a dedicated cardiac arrest team.RRT composition varied widely, with respiratory therapists, critical care nurses, physicians and nurse managers being the most likely to attend (89%, 78%, 64% and 51%, respectively). Consistent presence of critical care physicians was uncommon and both cardiac arrest teams and teams were frequently led by trainee physicians, often without senior supervision.

CONCLUSIONS

As the largest study to date in the USA, we have demonstrated wide heterogeneity, rapid team turnover and a lack of senior supervision of RRT and cardiac arrest teams. These factors likely contribute to the mixed results seen in studies of RRTs.

Identification of return of spontaneous circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation via pulse oximetry in a porcine animal cardiac arrest model

In this prospective study we investigated whether the pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform (POP) could be used to identify return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Tweleve pigs (28 ± 2 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (non-arrested with compressions) (n = 6); Group II (arrested with CPR and defibrillation) (n = 6). Hemodynamic parameters and POP were collected and analyzed. POP was analyzed using both a time domain method and a frequency domain method. In Group I, when compressions were carried out on subjects with a spontaneous circulation, a hybrid fluctuation or "envelope" phenomenon appeared in the time domain method and a "double" or "fusion" peak appeared in the frequency domain method. In Group II, after the period of ventricular fibrillation was induced, the POP waveform disappeared. With compressions, POP showed a regular compression wave. After defibrillation, ROSC, and continued compressions, a hybrid fluctuation or "envelope" phenomenon appeared in the time domain method and a "double" or "fusion" peak appeared in the frequency domain method, similar to Group I. Analysis of POP using the time and frequency domain methods could be used to identify ROSC during CPR.

How Do Resuscitation Teams at Top-Performing Hospitals for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Succeed? A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is common, and outcomes vary substantially across US hospitals, but reasons for these differences are largely unknown. We set out to better understand how top-performing hospitals organize their resuscitation teams to achieve high survival rates for IHCA.

METHODS

We calculated risk-standardized IHCA survival to discharge rates across American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation registry hospitals between 2012 and 2014. We identified geographically and academically diverse hospitals in the top, middle, and bottom quartiles of survival for IHCA and performed a qualitative study that included site visits with in-depth interviews of clinical and administrative staff at 9 hospitals. With the use of thematic analysis, data were analyzed to identify salient themes of perceived performance by informants.

RESULTS

Across 9 hospitals, we interviewed 158 individuals from multiple disciplines including physicians (17.1%), nurses (45.6%), other clinical staff (17.1%), and administration (20.3%). We identified 4 broad themes related to resuscitation teams: (1) team design, (2) team composition and roles, (3) communication and leadership during IHCA, and (4) training and education. Resuscitation teams at top-performing hospitals demonstrated the following features: dedicated or designated resuscitation teams; participation of diverse disciplines as team members during IHCA; clear roles and responsibilities of team members; better communication and leadership during IHCA; and in-depth mock codes.

CONCLUSIONS

Resuscitation teams at hospitals with high IHCA survival differ from non-top-performing hospitals. Our findings suggest core elements of successful resuscitation teams that are associated with better outcomes and form the basis for future work to improve IHCA.

Rapid response systems

INTRODUCTION

Rapid response systems are commonly employed by hospitals to identify and respond to deteriorating patients outside of the intensive care unit. Controversy exists about the benefits of rapid response systems.

AIMS

We aimed to review the current state of the rapid response literature, including evolving aspects of afferent (risk detection) and efferent (intervention) arms, outcome measurement, process improvement, and implementation.

DATA SOURCES

Articles written in English and published in PubMed.

RESULTS

Rapid response systems are heterogeneous, with important differences among afferent and efferent arms. Clinically meaningful outcomes may include unexpected mortality, in-hospital cardiac arrest, length of stay, cost, and processes of care at end of life. Both positive and negative interventional studies have been published, although the two largest randomized trials involving rapid response systems - the Medical Early Response and Intervention Trial (MERIT) and the Effect of a Pediatric Early Warning System on All-Cause Mortality in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients (EPOCH) trial - did not find a mortality benefit with these systems, albeit with important limitations. Advances in monitoring technologies, risk assessment strategies, and behavioral ergonomics may offer opportunities for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid responses may improve some meaningful outcomes, although these findings remain controversial. These systems may also improve care for patients at the end of life. Rapid response systems are expected to continue evolving with novel developments in monitoring technologies, risk prediction informatics, and work in human factors.

Resuscitation Practices Associated With Survival After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Survey

IMPORTANCE

Although survival of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest varies markedly among hospitals, specific resuscitation practices that distinguish sites with higher cardiac arrest survival rates remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To identify resuscitation practices associated with higher rates of in-hospital cardiac arrest survival.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Nationwide survey of resuscitation practices at hospitals participating in the Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation registry and with 20 or more adult in-hospital cardiac arrest cases from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2013. Data analysis was performed from June 10 to December 22, 2015.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Risk-standardized survival rates for cardiac arrest were calculated at each hospital and were then used to categorize hospitals into quintiles of performance. The association between resuscitation practices and quintiles of survival was evaluated using hierarchical proportional odds logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, 150 (78.1%) of 192 eligible hospitals completed the study survey, and 131 facilities with 20 or more adult in-hospital cardiac arrest cases comprised the final study cohort. Risk-standardized survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrest varied substantially (median, 23.7%; range, 9.2%-37.5%). Several resuscitation practices were associated with survival on bivariate analysis, although only 3 were significant after multivariable adjustment: monitoring for interruptions in chest compressions (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for being in a higher survival quintile category, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.24-5.93; P = .01), reviewing cardiac arrest cases monthly (adjusted OR for being in a higher survival quintile category, 8.55; 95% CI, 1.79-40.00) or quarterly (OR, 6.85; 95% CI, 1.49-31.30; P = .03), and adequate resuscitation training (adjusted OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.21-8.33; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Using survey information from acute care hospitals participating in a national quality improvement registry, we identified 3 resuscitation strategies associated with higher hospital rates of survival for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. These strategies can form the foundation for best practices for resuscitation care at hospitals given the high incidence and variation in survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Real-Time Risk Prediction on the Wards: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

Failure to detect clinical deterioration in the hospital is common and associated with poor patient outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of real-time risk stratification using the electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score, an electronic health record-based early warning score.

DESIGN

We conducted a prospective black-box validation study. Data were transmitted via HL7 feed in real time to an integration engine and database server wherein the scores were calculated and stored without visualization for clinical providers. The high-risk threshold was set a priori. Timing and sensitivity of electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score activation were compared with standard-of-care Rapid Response Team activation for patients who experienced a ward cardiac arrest or ICU transfer.

SETTING

Three general care wards at an academic medical center.

PATIENTS

A total of 3,889 adult inpatients.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The system generated 5,925 segments during 5,751 admissions. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score was 0.88 for cardiac arrest and 0.80 for ICU transfer, consistent with previously published derivation results. During the study period, eight of 10 patients with a cardiac arrest had high-risk electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage scores, whereas the Rapid Response Team was activated on two of these patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score identified 52% (n = 201) of the ICU transfers compared with 34% (n = 129) by the current system (p < 0.001). Patients met the high-risk electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score threshold a median of 30 hours prior to cardiac arrest or ICU transfer versus 1.7 hours for standard Rapid Response Team activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic Cardiac Arrest Risk Triage score identified significantly more cardiac arrests and ICU transfers than standard Rapid Response Team activation and did so many hours in advance.

The implementation of cardiac arrest treatment recommendations in English acute NHS trusts: a national survey

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

There are approximately 35 000 in-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year. Successful resuscitation requires integration of the medical science, training and education of clinicians and implementation of best practice in the clinical setting. In 2015, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) published its latest resuscitation treatment recommendations. It is currently unknown the extent to which these treatment recommendations have been successfully implemented in practice in English NHS acute hospital trusts.

METHODS

We conducted an electronic survey of English acute NHS trusts to assess the implementation of key ILCOR resuscitation treatment recommendations in relation to in-hospital cardiac arrest practice at English NHS acute hospital trusts.

RESULTS

Of 137 eligible trusts, 73 responded to the survey (response rate 53.3%). The survey identified significant variation in the implementation of ILCOR recommendations. In particular, the use of waveform capnography (n=33, 45.2%) and ultrasound (n=29, 39.7%) was often reported to be available only in specialist areas. Post-resuscitation debriefing occurs following every in-hospital cardiac arrest in few trusts (5.5%, n=4), despite a strong ILCOR recommendation. In contrast, participation in a range of quality improvement strategies such as the National Cardiac Arrest Audit (90.4%, n=66) and resuscitation equipment provision/audit (91.8%, n=67) were high. Financial restrictions were identified by 65.8% (n=48) as the main barrier to guideline implementation.

CONCLUSION

Our survey found that ILCOR treatment recommendations had not been fully implemented in most English NHS acute hospital trusts. Further work is required to better understand barriers to implementation.

Factors associated with re-arrest following initial resuscitation from cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

To examine patient- and arrest-level factors associated with the incidence of re-arrest in the hospital setting, and to measure the association between re-arrest and survival to discharge.

METHODS

This work represents a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who were successfully resuscitated from an initial out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) or in-hospital cardiac arrest (ICHA) of non-traumatic origin at two urban academic medical centers. In this study, re-arrest was defined as loss of a pulse following 20min of sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

RESULTS

Between 01/2005 and 04/2016, 1961 patients achieved ROSC following non-traumatic cardiac arrest. Of those, 471 (24%) experienced at least one re-arrest. In re-arrest patients, the median time from initial ROSC to first re-arrest was 5.4h (IQR: 1.1, 61.8). The distribution of initial rhythms between single- and re-arrest patients did not vary, nor did the median duration of initial arrest. Among 108 re-arrest patients with an initial shockable rhythm, 60 (56%) experienced a shockable re-arrest rhythm. Among 273 with an initial nonshockable rhythm, 31 (11%) experienced a shockable re-arrest rhythm. After adjusting for significant covariates, the incidence of re-arrest was associated with a lower likelihood of survival to discharge (OR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.24-0.43; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Re-arrest is a common complication experienced by cardiac arrest patients that achieve ROSC, and occurs early in the course of their post-arrest care. Moreover, re-arrest is associated with a decreased likelihood of survival to discharge, even after adjustments for relevant covariates.

Impact of Hospital Teaching Status on Mortality, Length of Stay and Cost Among Patients With Cardiac Arrest in the United States

Limited data exist regarding the in-hospital outcomes in patients with cardiac arrest (CA) in teaching versus nonteaching hospital settings. Using the Nationwide (National) Inpatient Sample (2008 to 2012), 731,107 cases of CA were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition codes. Among these patients, 348,368 (47.6%) were managed in teaching hospitals and 376,035 (51.4%) in nonteaching hospitals. Patients in teaching hospitals with CA were younger (62.42 vs 68.08 years old), had less co-morbidities (p <0.001), were less likely to be white (54.6% vs 65.5%) and more likely to be uninsured (9.1% vs 7.6%). Mortality in patients with CA was significantly lower in teaching hospitals than in nonteaching hospitals (55.3% vs 58.8%; all p <0.001). The mortality remained significantly lower after adjusting for baseline patient and hospital characteristics (odds ratio 0.917, CI 0.899 to 0.937, p <0.001). However, the survival benefit was no longer present after adjusting for in-hospital procedures (OR 0.997, CI 0.974 to 1.02, p = 0.779). In conclusion, teaching status of the hospital was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in patients with CA. The differences in mortality disappeared after adjusting for in-hospital procedures, indicating that routine application of novel therapeutic methods in patients with CA in teaching hospitals could translate into improved survival outcomes.

Influence of Chest Compressions on Circulation during the Peri-Cardiac Arrest Period in Porcine Models

Objective

Starting chest compressions immediately after a defibrillation shock might be harmful, if the victim already had a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and yet was still being subjected to external compressions at the same time. The objective of this study was to study the influence of chest compressions on circulation during the peri-cardiac arrest period.

Design

Prospective, randomized controlled study.

Setting

Animal experimental center in Peking Union Medical Collage Hospital, Beijing, China.

Subjects

Healthy 3-month-old male domestic pigs.

Interventions

44 pigs (28±2 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (non-arrested with compressions) (n = 12); Group II (arrested with compressions only) (n = 12); Group III (ROSC after compressions and defibrillation) (n = 20). In Groups I and II, compressions were performed to a depth of 5cm (Ia and IIa, n = 6) or a depth of 3cm (Ib and IIb, n = 6) respectively, while in Group III, the animals which had just achieved ROSC (n = 18) were compressed to a depth of 5cm (IIIa, n = 6), a depth of 3cm (IIIb, n = 6), or had no compressions (IIIc, n = 6). Hemodynamic parameters were collected and analyzed.

Measurements and Findings

Hemodynamics were statistically different between Groups Ia and Ib when different depths of compressions were performed (p < 0.05). In Group II, compressions were beneficial and hemodynamics correlated with the depth of compressions (p < 0.05). In Group III, compressions that continued after ROSC produced a reduction in arterial pressure (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Chest compressions might be detrimental to hemodynamics in the early post-ROSC stage. The deeper the compressions were, the better the effect on hemodynamics during cardiac arrest, but the worse the effect on hemodynamics after ROSC.

Documenting Penicillin Allergy: The Impact of Inconsistency

BACKGROUND

Allergy documentation is frequently inconsistent and incomplete. The impact of this variability on subsequent treatment is not well described.

OBJECTIVE

To determine how allergy documentation affects subsequent antibiotic choice.

DESIGN

Retrospective, cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

232,616 adult patients seen by 199 primary care providers (PCPs) between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2014 at an academic medical system.

MAIN MEASURES

Inter-physician variation in beta-lactam allergy documentation; antibiotic treatment following beta-lactam allergy documentation.

KEY RESULTS

15.6% of patients had a reported beta-lactam allergy. Of those patients, 39.8% had a specific allergen identified and 22.7% had allergic reaction characteristics documented. Variation between PCPs was greater than would be expected by chance (all p<0.001) in the percentage of their patients with a documented beta-lactam allergy (7.9% to 24.8%), identification of a specific allergen (e.g. amoxicillin as opposed to "penicillins") (24.0% to 58.2%) and documentation of the reaction characteristics (5.4% to 51.9%). After beta-lactam allergy documentation, patients were less likely to receive penicillins (Relative Risk [RR] 0.16 [95% Confidence Interval: 0.15-0.17]) and cephalosporins (RR 0.28 [95% CI 0.27-0.30]) and more likely to receive fluoroquinolones (RR 1.5 [95% CI 1.5-1.6]), clindamycin (RR 3.8 [95% CI 3.6-4.0]) and vancomycin (RR 5.0 [95% CI 4.3-5.8]). Among patients with beta-lactam allergy, rechallenge was more likely when a specific allergen was identified (RR 1.6 [95% CI 1.5-1.8]) and when reaction characteristics were documented (RR 2.0 [95% CI 1.8-2.2]).

CONCLUSIONS

Provider documentation of beta-lactam allergy is highly variable, and details of the allergy are infrequently documented. Classification of a patient as beta-lactam allergic and incomplete documentation regarding the details of the allergy lead to beta-lactam avoidance and use of other antimicrobial agents, behaviors that may adversely impact care quality and cost.

Variability in Postarrest Targeted Temperature Management Practice: Implications of the 2015 Guidelines

In 2002 postarrest care was significantly altered when multiple randomized controlled trials found that therapeutic hypothermia at a goal temperature of 32-34°C significantly improved survival and neurologic outcomes. In 2013, targeted temperature management (TTM) was reexamined via a randomized controlled trial between 33°C and 36°C in post-cardiac arrest patients and found similar outcomes in both cohorts. Before the release of the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines, our group found that across hospitals in the United States, and even within the same institution, TTM protocol variability existed. After the 2013 TTM trial, it was anticipated that the 2015 Guidelines would clarify which target temperature should be used during postarrest care. The AHA released their updates for post-cardiac arrest TTM recently and, based on the literature available, have recommended the use of TTM at a goal temperature between 32°C and 36°C. Whether this variability has an effect on TTM implementation or patient outcomes is unknown.

Pulse Oximetry: A Non-Invasive, Novel Marker for the Quality of Chest Compressions in Porcine Models of Cardiac Arrest

Objective

Pulse oximetry, which noninvasively detects the blood flow of peripheral tissue, has achieved widespread clinical use. We have noticed that the better the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the better the appearance of pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform (POP). We investigated whether the area under the curve (AUC) and/or the amplitude (Amp) of POP could be used to monitor the quality of CPR.

Design

Prospective, randomized controlled study.

Setting

Animal experimental center in Peking Union Medical Collage Hospital, Beijing, China.

Subjects

Healthy 3-month-old male domestic swine.

Interventions

34 local pigs were enrolled in this study. After 4 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation, animals were randomly assigned into two resuscitation groups: a “low quality” group (with a compression depth of 3cm) and a “high quality” group (with a depth of 5cm). All treatments between the two groups were identical except for the depth of chest compressions. Hemodynamic parameters [coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P_ETCO₂)] as well as AUC and Amp of POP were all collected and analyzed.

Measurements and Findings

There were statistical differences between the “high quality” group and the “low quality” group in AUC, Amp, CPP and P_ETCO₂ during CPR (P<0.05). AUC, Amp and CPP were positively correlated with P_ETCO₂, respectively (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference between the heart rate calculated according to the POP (F_CPR) and the frequency of mechanical CPR at the 3^rd minute of CPR. The F_CPR was lower than the frequency of mechanical CPR at the 6^th and the 9^th minute of CPR.

Conclusions

Both the AUC and Amp of POP correlated well with CPP and P_ETCO₂ in animal models. The frequency of POP closely matched the CPR heart rate. AUC and Amp of POP might be potential noninvasive quality monitoring markers for CPR.

Visual assessment of CPR quality during pediatric cardiac arrest: does point of view matter?

AIM

In many clinical settings, providers rely on visual assessment when delivering feedback on CPR quality. Little is known about the accuracy of visual assessment of CPR quality. We aimed to determine how accurate pediatric providers are in their visual assessment of CPR quality and to identify the optimal position relative to the patient for accurate CPR assessment.

METHODS

We videotaped high-quality CPR (based on 2010 American Heart Association guidelines) and 3 variations of poor quality CPR in a simulated resuscitation, filmed from the foot, head and the side of the manikin. Participants watched 12 videos and completed a questionnaire to assess CPR quality.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-five participants were recruited. The overall accuracy of visual assessment of CPR quality was 65.6%. Accuracy was better from the side (70.8%) and foot (68.8%) of the bed when compared to the head of the bed (57.2%; p<0.001). The side was the best position for assessing depth (p<0.001). Rate assessment was equivalent between positions (p=0.58). The side and foot of the bed were superior to the head when assessing chest recoil (p<0.001). Factors associated with increased accuracy in visual assessment of CPR quality included recent CPR course completion (p=0.034) and involvement in more cardiac arrests as a team member (p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Healthcare providers struggle to accurately assess the quality of CPR using visual assessment. If visual assessment is being used, providers should stand at the side of the bed.

The role of simulation in teaching pediatric resuscitation: current perspectives

The use of simulation for teaching the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary for effective pediatric resuscitation has seen widespread growth and adoption across pediatric institutions. In this paper, we describe the application of simulation in pediatric resuscitation training and review the evidence for the use of simulation in neonatal resuscitation, pediatric advanced life support, procedural skills training, and crisis resource management training. We also highlight studies supporting several key instructional design elements that enhance learning, including the use of high-fidelity simulation, distributed practice, deliberate practice, feedback, and debriefing. Simulation-based training is an effective modality for teaching pediatric resuscitation concepts. Current literature has revealed some research gaps in simulation-based education, which could indicate the direction for the future of pediatric resuscitation research.

Therapeutic temperature management after cardiac arrest and the risk of bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Prognosis after cardiac arrest in the era of modern critical care is still poor with a high mortality of approximately 90%. Around 30% of the survivors have neurological impairments. Targeted temperature management (TTM) is the only treatment option which can improve mortality and neurological outcome. It is so far unclear if bleeding complications occur more often in patients undergoing TTM treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature research in September 2013 including three major databases i.e. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL. All studies were rated in respect to the ILCOR Guidelines and concerning their level of evidence and quality. We then performed a meta-analysis on bleeding disposition under TTM.

RESULTS

We initially found 941 studies out of which 34 matched our requirements and were thus included in our overview. Five studies including 599 patients were summarized in a meta-analysis concerning bleeding complications of all severities. There was a trend toward higher bleeding in patients treated with TTM (RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.97-1.74) which did not reach significance (p=0.085). Seven studies with an overall 599 patients were included in our meta-analysis on bleeding requiring transfusion. There was no significant difference in the incidence of severe bleeding with a risk ratio of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.61-1.56, p=0.909).

CONCLUSIONS

The data included in our meta-analysis indicate that, concerning the risk of bleeding, TTM is a safe method for patients after cardiac arrest. We did not observe a significantly higher risk for bleeding in patients undergoing TTM.