Factors influencing workload and stress during resuscitation – A scoping review

Aim This scoping review aimed to identify potential variables influencing healthcare provider’s perceived workload or stress when performing resuscitation on patients in cardiac arrest. Methods We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) to identify studies published prior to February 1, 2024. We used a PECO format for this review: the population were healthcare providers performing resuscitation during simulated or real cardiac arrest; the exposure was the presence of any factor that could impact perceived workload or stress; and the comparator was the absence of any specific factor. Outcome variables, including self-reported questionnaires, objective and subjective measures, and any variables identified to have impact on workload and/or stress were extracted. Results Of the initially identified 10,165 studies, 24 studies (20 RCTs, 2 quasi-experimental studies and 2 observational studies) were ultimately included. Among them, a wide variety of factors influencing perceived stress or workload were identified. High heterogeneity among studies was observed. We categorized factors into the following entities: (1) team composition and roles; (2) telemedicine; (3) workflow; (4) tools; (5) cognitive aids; (6) presence of friends and family, and (7) provider experience and exposure, representing the modifiable factors for future interventions. Conclusion This scoping review provides an overview of factors influencing workload and stress during real and simulated cardiac arrest resuscitation. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to effectively manage workload and stress during resuscitation.