In-hospital cardiac arrest

Abstract

Purpose of review: To describe our knowledge about in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) including recent developments.

Recent findings: Improving trends in IHCA outcomes appear to have stalled or reversed since the COVID-19 pandemic. There are disparities in care based on patient sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status that need to be tackled. The increased use of emergency treatment plans that include do-not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommendations will help to decrease the number of resuscitation attempts. System approaches and strong local leadership through resuscitation champions can improve patient outcomes.

Summary: In-hospital cardiac arrest is a global health problem with a 25% survival in high-income settings. There remain significant opportunities to both decrease the incidence of, and outcomes from IHCA.