The NASA Task Load Index in simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a demanding task. There is comparatively little data on the experience of rescuers involved in CPR. Accordingly, the aims of the present study were to assess rescuers' workload during CPR, compare the CPR-imposed workload with workloads reported in other activities, and investigate the effects of additional tasks during CPR.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) data from 2831 physicians participating in four trials were analyzed. Physicians were randomized to teams of three to five and acted as rescuers in a simulated cardiac arrest. Teams were randomized to a control group (CPR) or to intervention groups (CPR with an additional task). Additional tasks included family presence, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), and performing CPR with personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, teams were randomized to designated leadership or no leadership intervention. Immediately after the completion of their simulation, participants were asked to fill in the NASA-TLX questionnaire. The primary outcome was the overall workload.

RESULTS

The median overall workload (NASA-TLX) was 58 (IQR 48-71) for control teams. Family presence [68 (53-78)] and PPE [63 (53-71)] significantly increased workload compared with control (P < 0.01 for both), whereas POCUS [58 (48-68)] had no significant effect.

CONCLUSION

CPR results in a high workload which may be further increased by additional tasks. Designating a team leader has no effect on CPR-induced workloads.