Optimizing the in-hospital use of automated external defibrillators

Optimizing the in-hospital use of automated external defibrillators

The aim of this study is to improve the chance of survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest by identifying factors to improve the use of automated external defibrillators for in-hospital cardiac arrest.

The study consists of several sub studies.

First, we will investigate the distribution and use of automated external defibrillators in Danish hospital by conducting a survey among all Danish hospitals and use data from the national database of in-hospital cardiac arrests, DANARREST.

Second, we will investigate the organization during in-hospital cardiac arrest and which factors to improve by conducting unannounced in-situ simulations (simulations in real patient areas) followed by a debriefing to elaborate on the participants experience during the simulation.

Third, we will investigate if there is a need to improve the placement of defibrillation electrodes during in-hospital cardiac arrest. We will photograph the placement of defibrillation electrodes and compare this to defibrillation data e.g. defibrillation success.

The project will contribute with important knowledge to why automated external defibrillators not always are  used for in-hospital cardiac arrests as well as identifying areas to improve in order to save more lives.

Randers Regional Hospital

Professor Bo Løfgren, MD, PhD, FESC, FAHA (main supervisor)

Kasper Glerup Lauridsen, MD

Aarhus University Hospital

Kristian Krogh, MD, PhD

Professor Hans Kirkegaard, MD, PhD

Regional Hospital West Jutland

Rasmus Philip Nielsen, MD

Regional Hospital Central Jutland