Resuscitation
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The application of non-technical skills (NTSs) in health care has previously been described in other health-care educational programmes. NTSs are behavioural principles such as leadership, task distribution and communication. The aim of this study was to identify NTSs suitable for improving team performance in multi-professional cardiac arrest teams, and to describe barriers to the use and implementation of such NTSs by using a qualitative method. ⋯ Interview participants pointed out that NTSs of teams could improve the treatment of cardiac arrest, but several barriers to this exist. Improving resuscitation training should include considerations regarding team leader experience, structured communication, mandatory use of cognitive aids, avoidance of task overload and mutual performance monitoring to avoid unnecessary interruptions in chest compressions.
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Treating cardiac arrest is linked to the mutual performance of several health-care individuals' task coordination. Non-technical skills, including communication, leadership and team interaction, could improve sequencing the tasks in the cardiac arrest algorithm. Non-technical skills have been a part of crew resource management training, created to improve safety in aviation. This study aimed, first, to establish crew resource management and non-technical skill-based learning objectives and behavioural markers for the performance of multi-professional resuscitation teams; second, to develop a checklist and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the checklist; and, finally, to develop a simulation-based course including the checklist on behavioural markers, as a tool for learning and assessment. ⋯ A full-scale simulation course and a checklist with 22 behavioural markers were developed. Good inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity of the checklist were demonstrated. Single items on the checklist need refinement to improve accuracy.
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Recent adult reports have demonstrated sub-optimal performance of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in advanced training scenarios and real life arrest situations. We studied the adequacy of chest compressions performed by advanced trained pediatric providers in code scenarios. ⋯ Advanced training of pediatric providers does not ensure adequate delivery of chest compressions. Rate standards and adequate depth of chest compressions are infrequently achieved and both may need more emphasis in CPR training and attention during resuscitations.
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Despite potential harm to patients, families, and emergency personnel, a low survival rate, and high costs and intensity of care, attempting resuscitation after prehospital cardiac arrest is the norm, unless there are signs of irreversible death or the presence of a valid, state-issued DNR. ⋯ Paramedics are more likely to forgo, and less likely to attempt, resuscitation in victims of cardiac arrest after implementation of a new policy. There was also an associated decrease in the percentage of patients who had signs of irreversible death, which might reflect a change in paramedic behavior.