Effectiveness of real-time chest compression feedback devices for individuals experienced in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized controlled simulation study

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of a new feedback device with the algorithm measuring the chest compression (CC) depth during a simulation of adult cardiac arrest. We designed a randomized controlled study and included participants who were healthcare providers over 18 years old, had undergone at least one basic life support training program, and had experience conducting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in real-life situations. We used the CPR manikin, and the feedback system of a light-weight portable feedback device which was developed and validated. Feedback device can connect wirelessly to an application installed on a general-purpose device. Primary outcome was the mean of CC depth and secondary outcomes were the accuracy of CC depth, the proportion of accurate CC depth, the CC rate, and the proportion of complete chest decompression. In a study with 45 participants randomized into two groups, no significant difference in mean CC depth was observed between the groups (5.0 ± 0.7 and 5.3 ± 1.0, p = 0.098). However, the group using the CPR feedback device demonstrated significantly higher accuracy in CC depth (66.7%) compared to the control group (24.4%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified the feedback device improving CC depth accuracy, highlighting its potential to enhance CPR quality by ensuring compressions meet the guideline-recommended depths (adjusted odds ratio 7.08, 95% confidential intervals 2.67–18.75). The study reveals that the feedback device was effective in enhancing the accuracy of CC depth during CPR by experienced healthcare providers.