Abstract
BackgroundIn‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a major public health problem with significant mortality. Rapid cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation is extremely connected to patient outcome. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of a basic life support and defibrillation course in improving knowledge in IHCA management.MethodsWe performed a prospective observational study recruiting healthcare personnel working at Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy. Study consisted in the administration of two questionnaires before and after BLS-D course. The course was structured as an informative meeting and it was held according to European Resuscitation Council guidelines.Results78 participants completed pre- and post-course questionnaires. Only 31.9% of the participants had taken part in a BLS-D before our study. After the course, we found a significative increase in the percentage of participants that evaluated their skills adequate in IHCA management (17.9% vs 42.3%; p < 0.01) and in the correct use of defibrillator (38.8% vs 67.9% p < 0.001). However, 51.3% of respondents still consider their preparation not entirely appropriate after the course. Even more, we observed a significant increase in the number of corrected responses after the course, especially about sequence performed in case of absent vital sign, CPR maneuvers and use of defibrillator.ConclusionsThe training course resulted in significant increase in the level of knowledge about the general management of IHCA in hospital staff. Therefore, a simple intervention such as an informative meetings improved significantly the knowledge about IHCA and, consequently, can lead to a reduction of morbidity and mortality.
Highlights
In‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a major public health problem with significant mortality
We found that 73.9% had witnessed IHCA at least once; in 59% of the cases in the ward and 41% in the OR
In‐hospital cardiac arrest still represents an important health problem associated with significant mortality
Summary
In‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a major public health problem with significant mortality. Rapid cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation is extremely connected to patient outcome. In‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) represents a major public health issue with significant mortality [1]. After a review of the published literature, the survival to discharge rate of IHCA varies widely (i.e., from 0 to 42%) with an incidence of 1–5 cases each 1000 patients [2,3,4,5,6]. Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (high-quality CPR and early defibrillation) represents the subsequent step. The formula had the aim of predicting survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest [11]. The knowledge and the experience of healthcare personnel on cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocol and regular CPR training are considered vital factors with a huge impact on patient’s survival [12, 13]. There is a gap between expectation and real skill retention leading to a weak response to emergencies outside the critical area [14]
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