Bedside chest compression skills: Performance and skills retention in in-hospital trained pediatric providers. A simulation study

Abstract Purpose To assess the effects of a real-time feedback device and refresher sessions in acquiring and retaining chest compression skills. Methods Healthcare providers participated in refresher sessions at 3-time points (blocks) over 1-year. At each block, chest compression (CC) skills were assessed on an infant and adult task trainer, in one 2-min trial without feedback (blinded), and up to three 2-min trials with feedback (unblinded). Skills retention over time was explored at three time lags: 1–3, 3–6, >6 months. Data collected included chest compression rate (100–120/min), depth (4 cm for infants and 5 cm for adults), and recoil between compressions. Results Among 194 participants, achievement of excellent CC (≥90% of adequate compressions for all parameters) increased with feedback. Linear mixed models found significant (p  Conclusions A real-time visual feedback device improved CC skills with better results in infants. Skills decayed over time despite two refresher sessions with feedback.