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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain
M Aliaño Piña1, C Ruiz Villén1, J Galán Serrano1
1Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Anesthesiology specialists actively managed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enhanced training in Advanced Life Support (ALS) is recommended for anesthesiologists to improve in-hospital CPR outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Specialties
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- COVID-19 poses significant risks, including cardiorespiratory arrest.
- High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is crucial for patient survival.
- The role of anesthesiology in managing CPR during the pandemic requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the performance of anesthesiology in CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To understand the extent of anesthesiologists' involvement in critical care and CPR.
- To identify areas for improvement in CPR training and practice.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed via Google Forms to members of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR).
- The questionnaire comprised 19 questions focusing on CPR management during the pandemic.
- Data was collected from 225 respondents across various Spanish regions.
Main Results:
- Anesthesiologists were heavily involved in critical COVID-19 care, particularly in ICUs and operating rooms.
- While many participated in CPR, a smaller percentage led the resuscitation efforts.
- Most CPR was performed in the supine position, and a significant portion of participants lacked recent Advanced Life Support (ALS) training.
- A strong consensus (97.7%) exists that Anesthesiology should lead in-hospital CPR.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesiology played a vital role in managing critically ill patients and CPR during the pandemic.
- There is a clear need for updated or recurrent training in ALS for anesthesiologists.
- Strengthening the role of Anesthesiology in leading CPR can enhance patient outcomes.
Objectives:
The disease COVID-19 produces serious complications that can lead to cardiorespiratory arrest. Quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can improve patient prognosis. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the specialty of Anesthesiology in the management of CPR during the pandemic.
Methods:
A survey was carried out with Google Forms consisting of 19 questions. The access link to the questionnaire was sent by email by the Spanish Society of Anesthesia (SEDAR) to all its members.
Results:
225 responses were obtained. The regions with the highest participation were: Madrid, Catalonia, Valencia and Andalusia. 68.6%% of the participants work in public hospitals. 32% of the participants habitually work in intensive care units (ICU), however, 62.1% have attended critical COVID-19 in the ICU and 72.6% have anesthetized them in the operating room. 26,3% have attended some cardiac arrest, 16,8% of the participants admitted to lead the manoeuvres, 16,8% detailed that it had been another department, and 66,2% was part of the team, but did not lead the assistance. Most of the CPR was performed in supine, only 5% was done in prone position. 54.6% of participants had not taken any course of Advance Life Support (ALS) in the last 2 years. 97.7% of respondents think that Anesthesia should lead the in-hospital CPR.
Conclusion:
The specialty of Anesthesiology has actively participated in the care of the critically ill patient and in the management of CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, training and/or updating in ALS is required.
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