Impact of an untrained CPR Coach in simulated pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest: A pilot study

To determine if an untrained cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Coach, with no access to real-time CPR feedback technology, improves CPR quality.

This was a prospective randomized pilot study at a tertiary care children's hospital that aimed to integrate an untrained CPR Coach into resuscitation teams during simulated pediatric cardiac arrest. Simulation events were randomized to two arms: control (no CPR Coach) or intervention (CPR Coach). Simulations were run by pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) providers and video recorded. Scenarios focused on full cardiopulmonary arrest; neither team had access to real-time CPR feedback technology. The primary outcome was CPR quality. Secondary outcomes included workload assessments of the team leader and CPR Coach using the NASA Task Load Index and perceptions of CPR quality.

Thirteen simulations were performed; 5 were randomized to include a CPR Coach. There was a significantly shorter duration to backboard placement in the intervention group (median 20 s [IQR 0-27 s] vs. 52 s [IQR 38-65 s], p = 0.02). There was no self-reported change in the team leader's workload between scenarios using a CPR Coach compared to those without a CPR Coach. There were no significant changes in subjective CPR quality measures.

In this pilot study, inclusion of an untrained CPR Coach during simulated CPR shortened time to backboard placement but did not improve most metrics of CPR quality or significantly affect team leader workload. More research is needed to better assess the value of a CPR Coach and its potential impact in real-world resuscitation.