Effect of rotating providers on chest compression performance during simulated neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Simulation studies in adults and pediatrics demonstrate improvement in chest compression (CCs) quality as providers rotate every two minutes. There is paucity of studies in neonates on this matter. This study hypothesized that frequent rotation while performing CCs improves provider performance and decreases fatigue.

Prospective randomized, observational crossover study where 51 providers performed 3:1 compression-ventilation CPR as a pair on a term manikin. Participants performed CCs as part of 3 simulation models, rotating every 3, 5 and 10 minutes. Data on various CC metrics were collected. Participant vitals were recorded at multiple points during the simulation and participants reported their level of fatigue at completion of simulation.

No statistically significant difference was seen in any of the compression metrics. However, differences in the providers' fatigue scores were statistically significant.

CC performance metrics did not differ significantly, however, providers' vital signs and self-reported fatigue scores significantly increased with longer CC durations.