RECOVER evidence and knowledge gap analysis on veterinary CPR. Part 2: Preparedness and prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically examine the evidence on the effect of prevention and preparedness measures on outcomes in veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation and to determine knowledge gaps.
DESIGN: Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature, categorization of relevant articles according to level of evidence and quality, and development of consensus on conclusions for application of the concepts to clinical practice. Relevant questions were answered on a worksheet template and reviewed by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) prevention and preparedness domain members, by the RECOVER committee, and opened for comments by veterinary professionals for 3 months.
SETTING: Academia, referral practice, and general practice.
RESULTS: Nine worksheets were prepared to determine the extent to which preparation of the environment (charts, visual aids, etc) and personnel (training, debriefing, etc) are beneficial in improving return of spontaneous circulation.
CONCLUSIONS: Of the questions evaluated, only the association between anesthesia-related cardiopulmonary arrest and better outcomes was supported by strong evidence. There is some evidence from the human literature that the use of cognitive aids, standardized didactic, and hands-on training with high-fidelity simulators, team and leadership training, and post-cardiac arrest debriefing improve adherence to cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines and, in some cases, patient outcomes. Veterinary studies investigating these issues are lacking, and development of initial guidelines is a crucial first step. © Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2012.