Abstract 268: Improvements in Emergency Department CPR Quality Utilizing Real-Time Audiovisual CPR Feedback

Abstract

Background: CPR quality is closely linked to outcome in cardiac arrest. The AHA 2010 Guidelines recommend monitoring CPR quality performed by healthcare providers both inside and outside the hospital. However, most EDs currently do not monitor CPR quality. The goal of the present investigation was to assess the quality of CPR performed in an urban ED and determine the influence of training and real-time audiovisual feedback (RTAVF) on CPR quality and patient outcome. Methods: CPR quality was monitored using an R Series defibrillator (ZOLL Medical) during the treatment of adult cardiac resuscitation attempts. During phase 1 (P1; 11/2010-11/2012), real-time audiovisual chest compression feedback was disabled. During phase 2 (P2; 11/2012-3/2013), clinicians underwent a 60 minute didactic/hands-on CPR training session after which the RTAVF and the ECG artifact filtering feature were enabled. CPR quality data (fraction, depth, rate, release, peri-shock pause) were reviewed using Code Review software (ZOLL Medical). Student’s t-test and Wilcoxon-signed rank test were employed. Results: A total of 44 OHCA patients were treated in P1 (mean age 57±18 yrs, 59% male) and 24 in Phase 2 (mean age 63±15 yrs, 88% male). The majority of patients (89% P1; 96% P2) suffered prehospital arrest and were transported to the ED. Chest compression (CC) depth increased from 1.8±0.5 inches in P1 to 2.3±0.4 in P2 (p<0.001), with the percentage of compressions exceeding 2 inches more than doubling from 36% in P1 to 79% in P2 (p<0.001). CC release velocity increased from 1.25±0.36 inch/sec in P1 to 1.69±0.28 in P2 (p<0.001). No significant differences were identified in CC rate (125±12 cpm P1 vs. 121±15 cpm P2, p=0.3) or CC fraction (82% P1 vs. 87% P2, p=0.1). Pre-shock pause (11.5±10.4 sec P1 vs. 8.0±6.2 P2, p=0.4) and post-shock pause (5.2±3.4 sec vs. 3.8±0.6, p=0.9) were statistically similar in P1 and P2. Conclusion: The bundle of real time audiovisual CPR feedback and training were associated with an improvement in chest compression depth and recoil and closer adherence to guidelines for CPR quality in this large urban ED.