Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Normothermic Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Mouse Model of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Published on: August 30, 2011
In-hospital Cardiac Arrest at Cork University Hospital
Insights
In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survival was 27% at Cork University Hospital in 2011. Survival was lower on wards, but survivors had excellent neurological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Hospital Quality Improvement
Background:
- In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) remains a critical event impacting patient outcomes.
- Understanding IHCA incidence and survival is crucial for improving hospital care.
- Cork University Hospital (CUH) data from 2011 provides a pre-National Early Warning Score (NEWS) implementation baseline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and outcomes of IHCA at CUH in 2011.
- To identify factors influencing IHCA survival within the hospital setting.
- To establish a benchmark for future quality improvement initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of adult admissions (>/= 18 years) at CUH in 2011.
- Utilized the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Database to identify IHCA cases.
- Collected Utstein variables for 63 identified IHCA patients, excluding 52 incorrectly coded cases.
Main Results:
- Overall IHCA survival to discharge was 27.0% (17 of 63 patients).
- Survival rates were significantly higher for IHCA with a shockable rhythm.
- IHCA survival was significantly lower on hospital wards compared to other locations.
- Survivors demonstrated excellent neurological outcomes, with good one-year survival.
Conclusions:
- IHCA outcomes at CUH in 2011 were poorest on hospital wards.
- Prompt identification and intervention are critical for improving IHCA survival.
- The study highlights the need for standardized early warning systems to enhance patient care.
Abstract:
We describe the incidence and outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) at Cork University Hospital over a one year time period (2011), prior to the implementation of national early warning scoring (NEWS) systems. There were 43 217 coded CUH admissions, in 2011, to 518 in-patient beds. The Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Database was used to identify adults (>/= 18 years) who sustained IHCA. Available Utstein variables were collected. Fifty-two patients were found to be incorrectly coded IHCA. 17 of 63 (27.0%) IHCA survived to discharge. IHCA with shockable rhythm had significantly higher survival. IHCA survival was significantly lower on wards versus any other hospital location. Median days of stay prior to arrest were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. All survivors (n = 17) had intact neurological outcome post-event. Our outcomes from IHCA are poorest on hospital wards when compared to other areas of the hospital. Those that survive have excellent function and one-year survival.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management

