Abstract
ObjectiveCardiac arrest is an emergency, which can be managed effectively by sound knowledge and practice of basic life support (BLS) skills. However, it has been globally reported that the knowledge of doctors regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and BLS is sub-standard. We conducted this study with the aim to assess the knowledge and attitude of doctors toward CPR in Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, one of the largest tertiary care hospitals, in Pakistan.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study, in Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital located in Karachi, Pakistan, using cluster sampling. A total of 285 doctors were interviewed.ResultsA majority of the doctors were unaware of the revised rate and depth of chest compressions (65.6% and 75.8% respectively). While many know the abbreviations of BLS and CPR (96.55% and 95.4%, respectively), 56.5% did not know what automated external defibrillator (AED) stood for. CPR was preferred over chest compression-only resuscitation (CCR) by 91.6% of the doctors. Half of the participants rated their knowledge as average. Most stated that they will not be reluctant to perform CPR in an emergency situation. The majority also agreed that BLS training should be an integral part of the medical curriculum.ConclusionThere is an evident lack of knowledge of CPR among healthcare professionals, particularly regarding the updates made in the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. However, an overall positive attitude was observed.
Highlights
Cardiac arrest remains a huge medical problem as well as a public health concern
It has been globally reported that the knowledge of doctors regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS) is sub-standard
While many know the abbreviations of BLS and CPR (96.55% and 95.4%, respectively), 56.5% did not know what automated external defibrillator (AED) stood for
Summary
Cardiac arrest remains a huge medical problem as well as a public health concern. In the United States alone, annually 300,000 cases of out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are reported, while in Europe around 350,000 individuals die following OHCA [1,2]. Cardiac arrest can occur both inside and outside the hospital setting, which necessitates the need for early recognition and treatment. It is possible to reduce the high mortality rate associated with cardiac emergencies by ensuring adequate knowledge and practice of basic life support (BLS) skills. The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued comprehensive guidelines for both in and out of hospital management, adult cardiac arrest chain of survival, immediate recognition of cardiac arrest, early activation of emergency medical services (EMS), early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and defibrillation [3]
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