Overview of Science and Mission
Clinical Science
Developing the Molecular Vital Signs of CPR
This project seeks to study blood inflammatory responses in both out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients. Blood is drawn and markers of inflammation measured at various time points post-resuscitation. Stress responses seen in the first 24-72 hours will be compared to a clinically stable baseline in patients who survive to hospital discharge. This project is a collaborative effort and data gathered will be used to design a larger study of how such early changes determine post-resuscitation injury outcomes. Such information is critical in order to design better CPR treatment strategies that identify and treat early mediators of reperfusion injury.
A Study of Relationships between Patient Characteristics, Resuscitation Performance Measures and Patient Outcomes
This study reviews data collected from both the American Heart Association National Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation database and from the FDA-approved Philips MRx/Q-CPR biphasic monitor/defibrillator to examine how patient factors and resuscitation performance factors are related to and affect patient outcome. This information may assist in determining the best resuscitation methods to deliver to individual patients in a diverse patient population.
The Effect of Automated Audiovisual Feedback and Weekly Code Debriefing on Rescuer Performance and Patient Outcomes
This study utilizes weekly educational sessions for the cardiac arrest resuscitation team examining resuscitation performance to determine whether such training improves CPR quality during in-hospital cardiac arrest by improving rescuer knowledge and attitudes, and thus impacts patient outcomes. Surveys are used throughout the study in order to assess rescuer knowledge and attitudes. CPR quality data is collected via the use of the Philips MRX/Q-CPR monitor/defibrillator and patient outcomes are assessed through chart review. This information may be useful in determining whether programs such as this are of value in residency training programs.
Simulation Based Leadership in Resuscitation Education
Knowledge, communication, and teamwork skills are integral to managing a cardiac response team. This study incorporates one 3-hour cardiac arrest simulation session to existing cardiac arrest resuscitation team training to determine whether this will lead to greater improvement to residents’ sense of confidence in being a team leader compared with residents who only receive traditional training interventions. It also assesses whether other members of the team have more confidence in team leaders who have received simulation training. The results of this information will potentially help residency training programs decide whether or not simulation based team leadership courses, such as this one, improve skills and confidence in leading a team.
Efficacy of weekly code review sessions to improve team dynamics and communication of Cardiac Resuscitation teams at the University of Chicago Hospitals
This study aims to analyze the benefit of code educational sessions to resident physicians involved in the cardiac arrest resuscitation team in regard to their basic life saving skills and confidence in participating on such a team. This is assessed through the use of surveys. Through this study, we hope to improve the educational sessions and therefore improve the team participation on the cardiac arrest resuscitation team, leading to improved patient care during a cardiac arrest.