In-hospital cardiac arrest: characteristics and outcome after implementation of systematic practice-oriented training

Am J Emerg Med. 2014 Jul;32(7):765-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2014.04.009. Epub 2014 Apr 13.

Abstract

Survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) has been reported to be surprisingly low without any major improvement during the last decade. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality affects survival after CA, and specific education is necessary for health care professionals participating in CPR. Decisions regarding CPR and do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders remain demanding, as does including patients in the process. Addressed training regarding CPR/DNAR orders is necessary to improve the CPR/DNAR decision process used by physicians. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical impact (return of spontaneous circulation and 21-day survival after CA) of an intervention within one single hospital, including a systematic education of all health care professionals in CPR. In total, there were 33 in-hospital CAs before (12 months) and 176 after (36 months) the intervention. No significant difference was found between the 2 calendar periods.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / education*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Heart Arrest / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Resuscitation Orders
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult