Comparing the effectiveness of different training packages at preparing clinical staff to deploy mechanical chest compression devices

ISRCTN	ISRCTN43049287
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN43049287
Protocol serial number	30619
Sponsor	University of Warwick
Funder	National Institute for Health Research

Submission date: 06/06/2016
Registration date: 30/06/2016
Last edited: 14/02/2018

Recruitment status: No longer recruiting
Overall study status: Completed
Condition category: Respiratory

Prospectively registered

Protocol

Statistical analysis plan

Results

Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims:
When a patient's heart stops (cardiac arrest), they require immediate treatment with chest compressions. To deliver chest compressions, the rescuer must press forcefully on the breastbone approximately 100 times per minute, which can quickly become exhausting. Machines that can deliver chest compressions have been developed. These machines can consistently deliver high quality chest compressions and, unlike humans, do not get tired. However, fitting these machines on the patient can be difficult. It is important that doctors and nurses are trained as well as possible to help them use these devices effectively. Some studies suggest that training based on how a formula one motor racing pit-crew works may be better than standard training approaches on how to use these devices. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of this new pit-crew training method compared to standard training for giving chest compressions.

Who can participate?
NHS clinical staff who hold a resuscitation qualification.

What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group receive standard training. This involves an overview of the chest compression device, as well as the chance to practice using it. Those in the second group take part in the pit-crew training. This involves an overview of the device, and then learning to use task allocation to specific individuals in an attempt to make deployment of the device run as smoothly as possible. This will be taught by a trained instructor through a presentation, hands-on training, and simulation scenarios. Participants in both groups undergo a simulation scenario after training in which their skills and abilities are assessed.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no direct benefits or risks involved with participating in this study.

Where is the study run from?
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
October 2015 to December 2016

Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (UK)

Who is the main contact?
1. Mrs Claire Jacques (public)
compresstrial@warwick.ac.uk
2. Dr Keith Couper (scientific)
K.Couper@warwick.ac.uk

Contact information

Mrs Claire Jacques
Public

Clinical Trials Unit
University of Warwick
Coventry
CV4 7AL
United Kingdom

Phone	+44 2476 575923
Email	compresstrial@warwick.ac.uk

Dr Keith Couper
Scientific

Clinical Trials Unit
University of Warwick
Coventry
CV4 7AL
United Kingdom

ORCID ID	0000-0003-2123-2022
Phone	+44 2476 575923
Email	K.Couper@warwick.ac.uk

Study information

Primary study design	Interventional
Study design	Randomised; Interventional; Design type: Treatment, Process of Care, Education or Self-Management
Secondary study design	Randomised controlled trial
Study type	Participant information sheet
Scientific title	A comparison of training packages for deployment of mechanical chest compression devices in clinical practice: a randomised controlled manikin trial (COMPRESS-SIM)
Study acronym	COMPRESS-SIM
Study objectives	The aim of this study is to determine whether the ’pit-crew’ training method’ is more effective than standard training in preparing clinical cardiac arrest teams to deploy mechanical chest compression devices.
Ethics approval(s)	University of Warwick Biomedical and Scientific Research Ethics Sub-Committee, 19/02/2016, ref: REGO-2016-1759
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied	Specialty: Critical care, Primary sub-specialty: Critical care; UKCRC code/ Disease: Other/ General symptoms and signs
Intervention	Teams in the trial will be randomised to receive either standard training (control group) or pit-crew training (intervention group). Teams will be individually randomised in a 1:1 ratio using an internet-based electronic randomisation service. The team will be randomised once they attend for the training and the eligibility of each of the three team members has been confirmed. Prior to attending the training session each participant will be asked to complete the online manufacturer training package for the mechanical chest compression device. The intervention period will be relatively short (training period of up to one hour, followed by simulation cardiac arrest scenario of approximately ten minutes). Following this, there will be no further trial intervention or follow-up. Pit-crew training: The training will commence with an overview of the mechanical device which builds on the participant’s knowledge that was gained during the online review of the manufacturer training package. The pit-crew component of the training will focus on the use of task allocation to specific individuals in an attempt to optimise deployment of the device. This will be delivered through a presentation, hands-on training, and simulation scenarios. Training will be delivered by an instructor with experience in delivering resuscitation skills training. Standard training: The training will commence with an overview of the mechanical device which builds on the participant’s knowledge that was gained during the online review of the manufacturer training package. The remainder of the training intervention will consist of hands-on training and simulation scenarios. Deployment will not be formalised, as it is with the pit-crew intervention. Training will be delivered by an instructor with experience in delivering resuscitation skills training.
Intervention type	Other
Primary outcome measure(s)	Flow-fraction in the minute preceding the delivery of the first chest compression by the mechanical device, as measured in the testing scenario.
Key secondary outcome measure(s)	All outcome measures will be measured during the simulation testing scenario): 1. Adherence to manufacturer recommended process for device deployment, measured using the manufacturer checklist document 2. Non-technical skills, measured using the Team Emergency Assessment Measure tool 3. Chest compression quality, measured as flow-fraction, pre-shock pause, post-shock pause, and peri-shock pause. The overall duration of the arrest will be defined as the point that cardiac arrest is confirmed (on completion of 10-second breathing/ pulse check) to delivery of the final chest compression 4. Time to first mechanical chest compression, measured from time of arrival of the mechanical chest compression device. 5. Number, duration and causes of any chest compression interruptions that exceed 5-seconds 6. Cause of any incident of delayed time to first mechanical chest compression- to be recorded if period from arrival of device to first mechanical chest compression is greater than 60-seconds
Completion date	31/12/2016

Eligibility

Participant type(s)	Health professional
Age group	Adult
Sex	All
Target sample size at registration	60
Key inclusion criteria	1. NHS clinical staff (e.g. doctors, nurses, paramedics) that have current registration with a professional body (General Medical Council; Nursing and Midwifery Council; Health and Care Professions Council 2. Hold a current Resuscitation Council (UK) Immediate Life Support or Advanced Life Support qualification, or other equivalent resuscitation qualification 3. Provide written informed consent for participation 4. Prior to randomisation, participants must also have completed the manufacturer on-line training package on use of the device
Key exclusion criteria	1. Staff that have an injury or disability that prevents the use or handling of the mechanical chest compression device 2. Receipt of formal training in use of the LUCAS-2 mechanical chest compression device in the last six months
Date of first enrolment	07/06/2016
Date of final enrolment	30/09/2016

Locations

Countries of recruitment

United Kingdom
England

Study participating centre

Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

Bordesley Green East
Birmingham
B9 5SS
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share	No
IPD sharing plan summary	Not expected to be made available
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type	Details	Date created	Date added	Peer reviewed?	Patient-facing?
Results article	results	01/02/2018		Yes	No
Participant information sheet	Participant information sheet	11/11/2025	11/11/2025	No	Yes

Editorial Notes

14/02/2018: Publication reference added.