Improving CPR Quality by Using a Real-Time Feedback Defibrillator During Pediatric Simulation Training.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a defibrillator with real-time feedback during code team training to improve adherence to the American Heart Association (AHA) resuscitation guidelines. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study designed to compare pediatric resident adherence to the AHA cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines before and after use of real-time feedback defibrillator during code team training simulation. After institution of a real-time feedback defibrillator, first-year resident's adherence to the AHA guidelines for chest compression rate (CCR), fraction, and depth during code team training from January 2017 to December 2018 was analyzed. It was then compared with results of a previously published study from our institution that analyzed the CCR and fraction from January 2015 to January 2016, before the implementation of a defibrillator with real-time feedback. RESULTS: We compared 19 eligible session preintervention and 36 postintervention sessions. Chest compression rate and chest compression fraction (CCF) were assessed preintervention and postintervention. The depth of compression was only available postintervention. There was improvement in the proportion of code team training sessions with mean compression rate (74% preintervention vs 100% postintervention, P = 0.003) and mean CCF (79% vs 97%, P = 0.04) in adherence with the AHA guideline. CONCLUSIONS: The use of real-time feedback defibrillators improved the adherence to the AHA cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines for CCF and CCR during pediatric resident simulation.

Code Team Training: Demonstrating Adherence to AHA Guidelines During Pediatric Code Blue Activations.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric code blue activations are infrequent events with a high mortality rate despite the best effort of code teams. The best method for training these code teams is debatable; however, it is clear that training is needed to assure adherence to American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Guidelines and to prevent the decay that invariably occurs after Pediatric Advanced Life Support training. The objectives of this project were to train a multidisciplinary, multidepartmental code team and to measure this team's adherence to AHA guidelines during code simulation. METHODS: Multidisciplinary code team training sessions were held using high-fidelity, in situ simulation. Sessions were held several times per month. Each session was filmed and reviewed for adherence to 5 AHA guidelines: chest compression rate, ventilation rate, chest compression fraction, use of a backboard, and use of a team leader. After the first study period, modifications were made to the code team including implementation of just-in-time training and alteration of the compression team. RESULTS: Thirty-eight sessions were completed, with 31 eligible for video analysis. During the first study period, 1 session adhered to all AHA guidelines. During the second study period, after alteration of the code team and implementation of just-in-time training, no sessions adhered to all AHA guidelines; however, there was an improvement in percentage of sessions adhering to ventilation rate and chest compression rate and an improvement in median ventilation rate. CONCLUSIONS: We present a method for training a large code team drawn from multiple hospital departments and a method of assessing code team performance. Despite subjective improvement in code team positioning, communication, and role completion and some improvement in ventilation rate and chest compression rate, we failed to consistently demonstrate improvement in adherence to all guidelines.