Augmented Reality CPR for Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

(AR-CPR Trial)

This trial tests a new augmented reality (AR) system, called AR-CPR, designed to help healthcare providers improve CPR during a simulated pediatric cardiac arrest. The AR system provides real-time visual feedback on chest compression rate, depth, and recoil through a special headset. The study compares this AR feedback with traditional coaching from a trained human instructor to determine if the technology is equally effective. Nurses or clinical technicians working in pediatric emergency or intensive care, who hold certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), may be suitable candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, participants have the opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could transform CPR training and outcomes.

Research has shown that the AR-CPR system, which uses augmented reality to provide real-time feedback during CPR, proved safe in earlier studies. Participants used the AR-CPR system without experiencing harmful side effects or safety issues. Testing in various practice scenarios confirmed its safety and effectiveness in assisting users with chest compressions during a practice pediatric cardiac arrest. Improvements to the hardware and software have enhanced usability, emphasizing safety and ease of use.

Researchers are excited about the AR-CPR system for treating pediatric cardiac arrest because it uses cutting-edge augmented reality technology to enhance CPR performance. Unlike traditional CPR training methods that rely on human feedback, AR-CPR provides real-time visual cues and numerical data on chest compression rate, depth, and recoil via a head-mounted display. This innovative approach ensures that CPR is performed within optimal targets, potentially increasing the effectiveness of resuscitation efforts in critical situations. By offering immediate feedback and guidance, AR-CPR aims to improve CPR quality, which is crucial for the survival and recovery of pediatric patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

Research has shown that the AR-CPR system significantly improves the quality of chest compressions during practice for children's cardiac emergencies. One study found that the number of chest compressions meeting the recommended speed and depth increased from 18-21% without feedback to 87-90% with AR-CPR assistance. This augmented reality system provides real-time visual feedback on compression speed, depth, and chest recoil, enabling users to make immediate adjustments. Participants in these studies reported improved performance and found the AR-CPR system easy to use. In this trial, some participants will use the AR-CPR system, while others will receive real-time feedback from a human CPR coach. Overall, AR-CPR appears to be as effective, if not more so, than human CPR coaching.¹²³⁴⁶