Outcomes and their determinants in patients with sudden cardiac arrest: Population health approaches to improve clinical outcomes

Abstract

This thesis describes a series of academic pursuits aimed at improving SCA outcomes. It comprises an introduction, a textbook chapter, as well as ten original investigations that address current issues in improving SCA outcomes. These investigations employ a number of study designs to interrogate interrelated topics surrounding risk factors, prognostication and treatment of SCA. Specific issues explored include the use of interventional study designs other than randomized controlled trials, the use of clinical outcomes with different time horizons, recurrence of SCA, social determinants of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, global prevalence and access to basic life support training, ambient air quality as a risk factor, and the evaluation of community-wide interventions aimed to improve care processes in SCA. By advancing our understanding of the risk factors, prognostication, and treatment of OHCA, we hope to improve equitable access, precision of interventions and improved clinical outcomes for our patients.