Practical feedback method for mobile cpr support systems considering noise and user’s attention

Abstract

In this study, with the aim of improving bystander CPR support using a smartphone and a smartwatch, we evaluated six feedback methods considering practical situations. Since CPR is sometimes required to be conducted in a noisy place, each method was evaluated with 50 dB and 80 dB noise environments, which correspond to a silent office and a noisy construction site, respectively. Also, considering the requirement for a bystander to maintain the safety of him/herself and in order to give appropriate care to the patient, the capability of noticing change in patient condition during CPR was evaluated. From the evaluation results, the best feedback method is a method that uses voice, a metronome sound and a graphic display on a smartphone and vibration and graphic display on a smartwatch if both a smartphone and a smartwatch are available. For only a smartphone, the result shows that feedback using only voice is better in the loud environment, while feedback using voice and clicking sounds is the best in the quiet environment. Moreover, with regard to the subjective feeling, feedback using only a smartwatch is worse than other methods, and it is recommended to be used in conjunction with a smartphone.