A Cross-Sectional Study on Awareness of Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Practices and Perspective on Resuscitation Education Among Doctors of Varied Specialties in a Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Contest: One of the emergencies in a hospital is a cardiac arrest, and this can be managed effectively by basic life support skills. The knowledge of doctors on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and their perspective of the need for education plays a vital role in providing effective care. Hence, this study was conducted with an aim to study the awareness among doctors on cardio-pulmonary resuscitation practices and their perspective on resuscitation education.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a Medical College from July 1-Aug 15, 2016. Two hundred doctors who have completed MBBS with internship were recruited as study participants. A prestructured questionnaire with sections on sociodemographic data, knowledge of resuscitation guidelines, self-perceivedproficiency in resuscitation skills, source of such knowledge, and suggestions for future improvements were administered. The data was analyzed using CoGuide version 1.0.Results: The mean age was 35.71±13.25 years in the study population. The majority (51.4%) reported correctly that the AHA organization publishes periodical CPR guidelines. Very proficient procedural skills were reported in IV line (54.05%), chest compression (52.7%), reasonably proficient procedural skills were reported in Guedel airway, ventilation, intubation, defibrillator, management as the leader. The mean total knowledge score was 3.64±1.35.Conclusion: This study revealed a poor overall knowledge regarding CPR among doctors of varied specialties. However, it was observed that there existed a positive attitude towards resuscitation education among doctors. In conclusion, there is a need for improving the CPR education in the medical curriculum.