Evaluation of factors affecting the utilization of emergency trolleys and cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment in a referral hospital in rural Liberia.

Abstract

Cardiac arrest is an unexpected loss of heart function, breathing and consciousness. The availability and proper operation of the resuscitation equipment are necessary for the successful performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Tsima, Billy, Rajeswaran et al., 2019). Aim: The aim of this research is to evaluate factors affecting the utilization of emergency trolleys for cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment at James Jerkins Dossen referral hospital in rural Liberia. Method: The study methods used to investigate the findings at the J. J. Dossen referral hospital were a quantitative approach, cross-sectional design, data was collected from 83 healthcare professionals across seven clinical units and through inspection of seven emergency trolleys, employing questionnaires and checklists. Data collection occurred from February 1 to April 30, 2024, and analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: Approximately 80% of units possessed at least one trolley. Operational issues affected 71.25% of available trolleys, with 32.50% facing access barriers. Effective utilization was supported by regular content checks (72.50%), trolley use training (41.25%), emergency response plans (55%), and maintenance protocols (53.75%). Hindrances included lack of training (58.75%), inconsistent maintenance (42.50%), and resource limitations affecting equipment availability (27.50%) and functionality (22.75%). Accessibility challenges were reported by 66.25% of participants. Overall, position in the hospital found to be a strong predictor of effective utilization of emergency trolleys and CPR equipment, with an odds ratio of 3.422 (95% CI: [1.33, 8.77]) and a p-value of 0.010. Years of experience greatly enhanced utilization, with an odds ratio of 24.11 per additional year (95% CI: [5.07, 114.3]) and a p-value of 0.000. Level of education also significantly impacted utilization of emergency trolleys and CPR equipment in the hospital, with an odds ratio of 4.95 (95% CI: [1.85, 13.22]) and a p-value of 0.001. Conclusions: The present study revealed that although most hospital units have emergency trolleys, significant gaps exist in the functionality and accessibility of CPR equipment. Findings showed that job position, educational level and years of experience in health care services significantly impacted utilization of emergency trolleys and CPR equipment in the hospital