Effect of smartphone applications on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality metrics in a mannequin study: A randomized trial

Hüseyin Sevil1, Volga Bastan1, Esma Gültürk2, Imad El Majzoub3, Erkan Göksu1

1Department of Emergency Medicine, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
2Akdeniz University, Vocational School of Health Services, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
3Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized, cross-over trial is to reveal the effect of smartphone cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback applications (App) on a group of lay rescuers' chest compression-only CPR quality metrics. Quality metrics is measured initially and after 3 months.

METHODS: A floor-based Resusci Anne mannequin (Laerdal Medical, Stavanger, Norway) was used. Three scenarios (CPR with device App-on [scenario-a], CPR with device App-off [scenario-b], and hands-only CPR [scenario-c]) were randomly allocated to all participants. All the participants performed 2 min of hands only-CPR for each scenario. Data of mean chest compression rate, mean chest compression depth, and recoil were recorded and compared for each scenario.

RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven first-year students from the Vocational School of Health Services in Turkey participated in this study to mimic lay rescuers. Difference in the initial mean rate of chest compressions was statistically significant when CPR was performed with device App-on (scenario-a) compared to scenarios b and c (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Furthermore, difference in the mean chest compression rate at the 3rd month was statistically significant among the scenarios when CPR was performed with device App-on (scenario-a) (P = 0.002, P = 0.001). The difference in initial and 3rd month mean compression depth and the percentage of recoil was not statistically significant among the scenarios.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that the mean chest compression rate and percentage of compressions with adequate rate improved with smartphone App-on, and these results were persistent up to 3 months.

Ethics Committee Approval

Akdeniz University, Clinical Research Ethical Committee, Date: 17.02.2017, Approval number: 70904504/45.

Author Contributions

H. Sevil and E. Goksu designed the study, prepared the manuscript. V. Bastan and E. Gulturk helped in recruitment process. I El Majzoub review the manuscript language.

Conflict of Interest

None Declared.

Financial Disclosure

The medical devices used in the study were supported by Akdeniz University Research Project Unit.