Performance improvers in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Qualitative Research
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a critical event.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality is significantly influenced by human factors.
• Traditional quantitative studies often overlook the operational and emotional experiences of resuscitation teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore factors that enhance the performance of resuscitation team members in emergency departments.
• To address the gap in understanding the human elements influencing resuscitation quality.
• To utilize a pragmatist approach for in-depth exploration.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis conducted in Western Iran (Jan-Jul 2024).
• Purposive sampling of 25 nurses and physicians from in-hospital resuscitation teams.
• Data collection via in-depth, semi-structured interviews analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's approach.

Main Results:

• A central theme of "latent enhancers" emerged, with three main categories and ten subcategories.
• Key factors identified include perceived beliefs (spiritual feedback, mental simulation, compassion), organizational catalysts (leadership, physical space, motivation, education), and psychological improvers (euphoria, pride, hope).

Conclusions:

• Positive beliefs, effective organizational factors, and psychological improvers significantly impact resuscitation team performance.
• Recommendations include psychoanalysis sessions, leadership training, organizational incentives, improved physical environments, and operational training for resuscitation teams.