Uniform reporting of measured quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
BACKGROUND
CPR quality is an important determinant of cardiac arrest outcome. Recent investigations have demonstrated that quality of clinical CPR is variable and often not in compliance with international consensus guidelines. The 2005 update of these guidelines included new recommendations for the measurement of resuscitation and CPR performance and the institution of measures to improve resuscitation care. Common definitions and reporting templates need to be established for the variables of CPR quality. This will allow for meaningful comparisons between treatment groups in clinical trials as well as a common system for quality improvement and documentation of this improvement.


RESULTS
In this report, we present the results from an international consensus working group to propose common definitions and criteria for reporting variables of CPR quality, based on the best available data for the importance of various CPR variables. The recommendations are discussed in light of the different purposes outlined above.
Kramer-Johansen
Jo
J
Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Ullevaal University Hospital, N-0407 Oslo, Norway. jo.kramer-johansen@medisin.uio.no
Edelson
Dana P
DP
Losert
Heidrun
H
Köhler
Klemens
K
Abella
Benjamin S
BS
D001317:Austria; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000592:standards*; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007087:Illinois; D009664:Norway; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome