Effect of smartphone applications on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality metrics in a mannequin study: A randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized, cross-over trial is to reveal the effect of smartphone cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback applications (App) on a group of lay rescuers' chest compression-only CPR quality metrics. Quality metrics is measured initially and after 3 months. METHODS: A floor-based Resusci Anne mannequin (Laerdal Medical, Stavanger, Norway) was used. Three scenarios (CPR with device App-on [scenario-a], CPR with device App-off [scenario-b], and hands-only CPR [scenario-c]) were randomly allocated to all participants. All the participants performed 2 min of hands only-CPR for each scenario. Data of mean chest compression rate, mean chest compression depth, and recoil were recorded and compared for each scenario. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven first-year students from the Vocational School of Health Services in Turkey participated in this study to mimic lay rescuers. Difference in the initial mean rate of chest compressions was statistically significant when CPR was performed with device App-on (scenario-a) compared to scenarios b and c (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Furthermore, difference in the mean chest compression rate at the 3(rd) month was statistically significant among the scenarios when CPR was performed with device App-on (scenario-a) (P = 0.002, P = 0.001). The difference in initial and 3(rd) month mean compression depth and the percentage of recoil was not statistically significant among the scenarios. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the mean chest compression rate and percentage of compressions with adequate rate improved with smartphone App-on, and these results were persistent up to 3 months.