OBJECTIVE: Inducing mild hypothermia in survivors of cardiac arrest has been demonstrated to improve outcomes. Despite this, other studies have found that few resuscitation physicians have used hypothermia in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to characterize the use of induced hypothermia by Canadian emergency physicians. METHODS: An internet-based survey was distributed to all members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP). Participants were asked about their experience with, methods for and barriers to inducing hypothermia. RESULTS: Of the 1328 CAEP members surveyed, 247 (18.6%) responded, with the majority working in academic centres (60.3%). Ninety-five out of 202 respondents (47.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 40.8%-53.2%) indicated that they had induced hypothermia in clinical practice and 86 of 212 (40.6%, 95% CI 34.0%-47.2%) worked in a department that had a policy or protocol for the use of induced hypothermia. The presence of a departmental policy or protocol was strongly associated with the use of induced hypothermia (unadjusted odds ratio 10.5, 95% CI 5.3-20.8). Barriers against induced hypothermia cited by respondents included a lack of institutional policies and protocols (38.9%), and of resources (29.4%). Lack of support from consultants was relatively uncommon (8.7%) in Canadian practice. CONCLUSION: Only one-half of Canadian emergency physicians report that they have used therapeutic hypothermia in practice. Emergency departments should develop policies or protocols for inducing hypothermia in cardiac arrest survivors to optimize patient outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: Inducing mild hypothermia in survivors of cardiac arrest has been demonstrated to improve outcomes. Despite this, other studies have found that few resuscitation physicians have used hypothermia in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to characterize the use of induced hypothermia by Canadian emergency physicians. METHODS: An internet-based survey was distributed to all members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP). Participants were asked about their experience with, methods for and barriers to inducing hypothermia. RESULTS: Of the 1328 CAEP members surveyed, 247 (18.6%) responded, with the majority working in academic centres (60.3%). Ninety-five out of 202 respondents (47.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 40.8%-53.2%) indicated that they had induced hypothermia in clinical practice and 86 of 212 (40.6%, 95% CI 34.0%-47.2%) worked in a department that had a policy or protocol for the use of induced hypothermia. The presence of a departmental policy or protocol was strongly associated with the use of induced hypothermia (unadjusted odds ratio 10.5, 95% CI 5.3-20.8). Barriers against induced hypothermia cited by respondents included a lack of institutional policies and protocols (38.9%), and of resources (29.4%). Lack of support from consultants was relatively uncommon (8.7%) in Canadian practice. CONCLUSION: Only one-half of Canadian emergency physicians report that they have used therapeutic hypothermia in practice. Emergency departments should develop policies or protocols for inducing hypothermia in cardiac arrest survivors to optimize patient outcomes.
Authors: Blair L Bigham; Kent Koprowicz; Tom Rea; Paul Dorian; Tom P Aufderheide; Daniel P Davis; Judy Powell; Laurie J Morrison Journal: Resuscitation Date: 2011-03-31 Impact factor: 5.262
Authors: Blair L Bigham; Kent Koprowicz; Tom P Aufderheide; Daniel P Davis; Stuart Donn; Judy Powell; Brian Suffoletto; Sarah Nafziger; John Stouffer; Ahamed Idris; Laurie J Morrison Journal: Prehosp Emerg Care Date: 2010 Jul-Sep Impact factor: 3.077
Authors: Blair L Bigham; Tom P Aufderheide; Daniel P Davis; Judy Powell; Stuart Donn; Brian Suffoletto; Sarah Nafziger; John Stouffer; Laurie J Morrison Journal: Resuscitation Date: 2010-04-15 Impact factor: 5.262
Authors: Jasmeet Soar; Mary E Mancini; Farhan Bhanji; John E Billi; Jennifer Dennett; Judith Finn; Matthew Huei-Ming Ma; Gavin D Perkins; David L Rodgers; Mary Fran Hazinski; Ian Jacobs; Peter T Morley Journal: Resuscitation Date: 2010-10 Impact factor: 5.262
Authors: Janet E Bray; Susie Cartledge; Judith Finn; Glenn M Eastwood; Nicole McKenzie; Dion Stub; Lahn Straney; Stephen Bernard Journal: Resusc Plus Date: 2020-05-21