Abstract 65: Defining Lay Bystanders' Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training and Performance

Abstract

Background: Since less than 30% of lay witnesses to cardiac arrest attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), understanding the public's perception of CPR training and performance is essential to inform future CPR training methods. Little is known regarding layperson perspectives on CPR in context of the 2010 resuscitation guidelines and the development of hands-only CPR. Objectives: We hypothesized that bystanders would feel more confident performing CPR when made aware of the new guidelines support for hands-only CPR. Methods: Subjects participated in an hour-long semi-structured qualitative interview. The interview script covered general questions designed to understand subject's perspectives on CPR training and performance. Following transcription, all responses were coded and processed using NVivo 9 qualitative analysis software. Results: Interviews were completed by 19 subjects, of whom 11% were untrained, 47% had completed a training course within the past 5 years and 42% had completed a course in the past 5+ years. Less than 49% of the subjects could describe when to perform CPR, and those who described using CPR incorrectly confused the lifesaving skill with first aid (64%) or clearing of the airway (27%). Subjects described incomplete training, lack of hands-on practice time (38%) and difficulty with skill retention (21%) as top themes surrounding their previous CPR training. Lack of confidence in CPR skills was a commonly reported theme among 79% of interviewees, despite 41% of these respondents having been trained within 5 years. When asked about hands-only CPR, 74% of the subjects had not heard of the new technique and 68% were unaware of the updated 2010 CPR guidelines. When briefly educated about the 2010 guidelines, 89% felt more confident with performing CPR if they had the option of employing “hands-only” CPR (p<0.01). Conclusions: CPR trained individuals lacked confidence and retention of CPR knowledge, and were not aware of hands-only CPR and the 2010 resuscitation guidelines update. When informed about the option for hands-only CPR, individual's self-reported confidence increased significantly. This has implications for future public messaging surrounding layperson CPR and the need to promote hands-only CPR more broadly.