Quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and 5-Year Survival Following in-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

PURPOSE: To improve cardiac arrest survival, international resuscitation guidelines emphasize measuring the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We aimed to investigate CPR quality during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and study long-term survival outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cohort study of IHCA from December 2011 until November 2014. Data were collected from the hospital switch board, patient records, and from defibrillators. Impedance data from defibrillators were analyzed manually at the level of single compressions. Long-term survival at 1-, 3-, and 5 years is reported. RESULTS: The study included 189 IHCAs; median (interquartile range (IQR)) time to first rhythm analysis was 116 (70-201) seconds and median (IQR) time to first defibrillation was 133 (82-264) seconds. Median (IQR) chest compression rate was 126 (119-131) per minute and chest compression fraction (CCF) was 78% (69-86). Thirty-day survival was 25%, while 1-year-, 3-year-, and 5-year survival were 21%, 14%, and 13%, respectively. There was no significant association between any survival outcomes and CCF, whereas chest compression rate was associated with survival to 30 days and 3 years. Overall, 5-year survival was associated with younger age (median 68 vs 74 years, p=0.003), less comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index median 3 vs 5, p<0.001), and witnessed cardiac arrest (96% vs 77%, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: We established a systematic collection of IHCA CPR quality data to measure and improve CPR quality and long-term survival outcomes. Median time to first rhythm check/defibrillation was <3 minutes, but median chest compression rate was too fast and median CCF slightly below 80%. More than half of 30-day survivors were still alive at 5 years.

Evaluation of telemedicine in patients suspected of acute coronary syndrome at a non-invasive centre.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of prehospital electrocardiograms (ECG) for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are well-known. Evaluation of the present algorithm for prehospital ECG transmission is important to ensure correct and expeditious patient care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ECGs transmitted from the prehospital setting to a non-invasive department of cardiology. METHODS: At Lillebaelt Hospital, the cardiologist on-call evaluated and entered the transmitted ECGs and the associated transmission criteria into the Clinical Measurement System database (KMS). Furthermore, data from the KMS and the diagnoses at discharge were obtained from 2012 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 9,751 ECGs were included in the study. ECG transmission increased by 35% from year one to year three (p less-than 0.05). A total of 362 patients (3.7%) had STEMI. 25% of all ECGs were transmitted without any obvious cardiac symptom but produced a diagnosis of other cardiac illnesses than acute coronary syndrome in 28% of these patients. The number of ECGs sent per adult inhabitant in the area per year was 1:85. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of ECGs are transmitted annually and at an increasing rate, and STEMI only comprises a very limited proportion of all transmitted ECGs to a non-invasive centre in Denmark. The high number of ECGs challenge the available resources, which are limited and should be used effectively, particularly in a period characterised by increased healthcare demands. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

E-learning in pediatric basic life support: a randomized controlled non-inferiority study.

OBJECTIVE: Dissemination of pediatric basic life support (PBLS) skills is recommended. E-learning is accessible and cost-effective, but it is currently unknown whether laypersons can learn PBLS through e-learning. The hypothesis of this study was to investigate whether e-learning PBLS is non-inferior to instructor-led training. STUDY DESIGN: Participants were recruited among child-minders and parents of children aged 0-6 years. Participants were randomized to either 2-h instructor-led training or e-learning using an e-learning program (duration 17 min) including an inflatable manikin. After training, participants were assessed in a simulated pediatric cardiac arrest scenario. Tests were video recorded and PBLS skills were assessed independently by two assessors blinded to training method. Primary outcome was the pass rate of the PBLS test (≥8 of 15 skills adequately performed) with a pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 20%. RESULTS: In total 160 participants were randomized 1:1. E-learning was non-inferior to instructor-led training (difference in pass rate -4%; 95% CI -9:0.5). Pass rates were 100% among instructor-led trained (n=67) and 96% among e-learned (n=71). E-learners median time spent on the e-learning program was 30 min (range: 15-120 min) and the median number of log-ons was 2 (range: 1-5). After the study, all participants felt that their skills had improved. CONCLUSION: E-learning PBLS is non-inferior to instructor-led training among child-minders and parents with children aged 0-6 years, although the pass rate was 4% (95% CI -9:0.5) lower with e-learning.