Quality of chest compressions performed by anaesthetic trainees with and without audiovisual feedback

Introduction: The use of audiovisual feedback devices on chest compression (CC) metrics such as the rate and depth has been proven to improve resuscitation quality. This study compared the quality of CC performed by anaesthetic trainees on manikins with audiovisual feedback and subsequent skill retention without the feedback. Methods: CC metrics measured were the compression rate and depth recorded and reviewed by RescueNet® Code Review software, which recorded compressions in target. Fifty participants performed 2 minutes of CC without audiovisual feedback (CC1), followed by another 2 minutes of CC with audiovisual feedback (CC2), separated by 5 minutes of rest. Those who achieved at least 70% of compressions in target during CC2 performed another 2 minutes of CC without audiovisual feedback at 30 minutes (CC3) and 5–7 days (CC4) later. Results: The baseline compressions in target during CC1 was 14.43 ± 20.18%, improving significantly to 81.80 ± 7.61% (p < 0.001) with audiovisual feedback (CC2). Forty-five (90%) participants achieved compressions in target of at least 70% during CC2. However, without the feedback, compressions in target decreased significantly to 56.33 ± 27.02% (p < 0.001) and 49.32 ± 33.86% (p < 0.001) at 30 minutes (CC3) and 5–7 days (CC4) later, respectively. The overall effect size for the compressions in target was 0.625. Conclusion: Audiovisual feedback device usage significantly improves CC performance, but improved skills were not fully retained when CC was performed without the device afterwards. Therefore, real-time audiovisual feedback may ensure better CC, a component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.