Emergency Clinician Experiences Using a Standardized Communication Tool for Cardiac Arrest

Abstract

Introduction Sudden cardiac arrest remains a common and critical disease burden. As post-cardiac arrest care grows in complexity, communication between pre-hospital providers, emergency department personnel, and hospital consultants is increasingly important. Methods This study evaluated the use of a standard handoff tool between pre-hospital personnel and hospital staff, including emergency medical services (EMS), emergency department nurses, physicians, and cardiologists. Personnel were surveyed regarding attitudes surrounding the important aspects of cardiac arrest care, challenges faced, and preference of handoff mechanism. Results Most of the survey respondents (58, 76%) found that the initial rhythm was the most important factor in post-cardiac arrest care, followed by the presence of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; 55, 72%) and the presence of ST-elevation on initial electrocardiogram (46, 61%). Both emergency physicians (7, 63%), as well as cardiologists (3, 100%), preferred to have this tool performed over radio prior to arrival in the emergency department. Conclusion The importance given to various post-cardiac arrest factors varied amongst specialty and clinical background; however, all agreed on common features such as the initial rhythm, electrocardiogram (ECG) morphology, and the presence or absence of bystander CPR. Additionally, the timing and structure of how this information is delivered were further elucidated. This data will guide future handoff methods between specialties managing patients after cardiac arrest.