Evaluating real-world use of resuscitation cart medications to guide evidence-based and resource-efficient practice at a comprehensive cancer center

Aim of the StudyResuscitation carts are essential for ensuring rapid access to life-saving medications during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, limited guidance exists on which medications to include. This study aims to determine the essential medications for inclusion in a resuscitation cart, based on the utilization and evidence-based recommendations.MethodsThis is a retrospective study for adult cancer patients who underwent CPR between March 2023 and March 2024. Medications utilized during CPR were collected from electronic medical records. Based on clinical guidelines and utilization rates, medications were categorized into three groups: Group A, medications utilized during CPR and/or with strong evidence to include, and kept with no change, Group B, essential medications but requiring quantity modifications, and (C) non-essential medications or not utilized during CPR and were removed. Pharmacy working hours needed for carts maintenance processes were evaluated before and after the change.ResultsA total of 881 CPRs were performed during the study period. Among the 25 medications included in the carts, 11 were classified in group A, 2 in group B, and 12 in group C. Based on the available data, the total number of medications in the resuscitation carts was reduced to 13 medications. This reduced cart maintenance time from 602 to 241 h annually.ConclusionOptimizing resuscitation cart medications using evidence and utilization data can effectively reduce the number of medications, time required for cart management, and medication waste. Future research may explore other patient populations, to support the development of universal guidance on resuscitation cart medication content.