Real-Time Visual Feedback Device Improves Quality Of Chest Compressions; A Manikin Study

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a real-time visual feedback device on CCs rate and depth delivered by healthcare professionals. Methods: In a simulated scenario a sensor was placed on a manikin’s chest and connected to a defibrillator which provided real-time visual feedback on the rate and depth of CCs. Thirty-two healthcare professionals performed sequentially 5 cycles of 30 CCs without (FeedOFF) and with (FeedON) feedback. CCs with a depth between 50 and 60mm and a rate between 100 and 120cpm were considered optimal. Results: Visual feedback resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of CCs with optimal depth (median 8.7 [interquartile range 0.7–55.5]% FeedOFF vs 63.3 [17.6–88.1]% FeedON, p=0.002) and optimal rate (median 51.3 [1.3–81.3]% FeedOFF vs 68.3 [45.3–86.1]% FeedON, p=0.018). Overall, CCs were too shallow and too fast in the FeedOFF cycle. There was also a significant increase in optimal CCs (optimal depth and rate) with the use of the feedback device (from median 0.7 [0–26.9]% FeedOFF to 31.9 [3.6-59.9]% FeedON, p=0.001). Participants’ factors such as age, sex, body mass index, job or time since last CPR training did not have a significant impact on CPR quality. Conclusion: In the absence of visual feedback, there is a tendency towards lower depth and higher rate of CCs. The use of feedback technology significantly improves the quality of CCs.