Does the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback devices improve the quality of chest compressions performed by doctors? A prospective, randomized, cross-over simulation study

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the quality of chest compressions (CCs) carried out with and without the use of the TrueCPR device during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitations conducted by trainee doctors. METHODS: The study was a prospective, randomized, cross-over simulation study. The study involved 65 trainee doctors who were tasked with performing a 2-min cycle of uninterrupted CCs under conditions of a simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation of adults. CC were carried out in two scenarios: with and without TrueCPR chest compression support. Participants did not have experience in the use of CCs prior to this study. RESULTS: The depth of compressions in regard to CC techniques were varied by 45 mm (IQR 43–48) for manual CC and 53 mm (IQR 51–55) for the TrueCPR device (p < 0.001). The incidence of CCs with and without TrueCPR was: 112 (IQR 103–113) vs. 129 (IQR 122–135) compressions (p = 0.002). The degree of complete chest relaxation with the TrueCPR device was 95% (IQR 76–99) and without the device, 33% (IQR 29–38) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the simulation study performed, the use of the TrueCPR device resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of CCs in relation to frequency and depth of CCs and correctness of chest relaxation.