None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will test whether a mobile “tap-per-breath” application helps paramedic students measure a patient’s breathing rate more accurately and quickly than the current standard method of using a watch or clock. Participants will complete two simulated patient assessments, one using the app and one using the traditional method. The study hypothesis is that the tap-per-breath application will improve the accuracy and efficiency of respiratory rate measurement, while reducing the mental effort required.
Interventions
A “tap-per-breath” mobile application installed on an investigator-supplied smartphone/iPod. Participants tap the screen in time with the patient’s visible respirations; the app derives RR from inter-tap intervals using a minimum of 5 taps (accepting additional taps if all taps are not within the 13% consistency threshold calculated from a rolling median). A 30-second ceiling applies to the app algorithm. A short video tutorial shows correct use.
Each participant completes two 10-minute simulat
A “tap-per-breath” mobile application installed on an investigator-supplied smartphone/iPod. Participants tap the screen in time with the patient’s visible respirations; the app derives RR from inter-tap intervals using a minimum of 5 taps (accepting additional taps if all taps are not within the 13% consistency threshold calculated from a rolling median). A 30-second ceiling applies to the app algorithm. A short video tutorial shows correct use. Each participant completes two 10-minute simulated patient assessments (crossover). In the intervention assessment they will be given a phone with the tap-bpm app installed, after training video watched (made specifically for the research project); in the control assessment they use standard manual counting (watch/clock). Participants record vital signs when they deem clinically indicated; investigators time-stamp when RR is begun/announced and collect whether RR was measured. Trained study staff (investigators) supervise, instruct, time-stamp, and collect forms. In-person, individual simulations in university simulation labs for paramedicine students. One study visit (~40 minutes): 10 minutes per scenario. A short washout period between sessions (target; minimum 5, maximum 10, logged), plus ~10 minutes for survey. University paramedicine simulation classrooms with standard equipment (e.g., monitors, BP cuffs) and controlled ambient noise (audio track at a standardised volume). Direct observation with checklists; automatic app logs (where available); time-stamps for start/announcement of RR; and documentation of any deviations or non-measurement.
Sponsors
Lachlan F D Sallabank, Victoria University
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Diagnosis
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Undergraduate and postgraduate paramedicine/emergency healthcare students. Students who have passed a unit of study which includes competence in patient assessment.
Exclusion criteria
None.
Outcome results
None listed