Assessing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge within the Community: A Survey of the Public's Perception
Poster #: 144
Session/Time: A
Author:
Joshua C Betancourt, BS
Mentor:
Marissa C Galicia-Castillo, MD
Research Type: Public Health
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical tool for saving lives, however prior studies have shown that the public believes that CPR has an unrealistically high success rate. With these misconceptions in mind, patients and family members routinely opt for all CPR interventions even when low probability of survival and intact neurological outcome exists. This lack of understanding places additional strain on healthcare resources and often results in protracted grief amongst family members in difficult situations. Simultaneously, with the expansion of the internet and the rise of social media, free access to information has become much more accessible. This study will assess the current knowledge of CPR survival rates within the community, to assess if the public's perception of CPR has shifted since previous similar studies.
METHODS:
Individuals encountered during community outreach events were invited to complete an anonymous, voluntary survey assessing layperson knowledge of CPR related outcomes. This 14-question electronic survey was administered via REDCap software. Questions included sliding scale options for estimating survivability, multiple choice options for background knowledge, and basic demographic information. Survivability response averages were compared to the American Heart Association's reported 2023 statistics to calculate percent error.
RESULTS:
Thus far, 57 responses have been recorded (n=57). Average estimated survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be 65.61% (Actual=23.6%, Percent Error=178.01%), survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be 37.68% (Actual=10.2%, Percent Error=269.41%), good functional status, defined as no new serious impairment (i.e. cognitive impairment, speech issues, weakness/immobility, etc.), following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be 50.49% (Actual=8.1%, Percent Error=523.33%). 82.5% (47/57) of participants reported having taken a CPR course in the past. 80.7% (46/57) of participants reported that they would want CPR performed on themselves, and 17.5% (10/57) of participants reported having discussed their CPR preferences with a healthcare professional. Average age of respondents was 42.96 (Range: 18-90, Median: 32), and the majority highest level of education completed was "More than 4-year college degree" at 47.4% (27/57).
CONCLUSION:
Initial results of this survey study demonstrate that a considerable knowledge gap remains amongst the pubic regarding CPR related outcomes. On average, participants in the survey overestimated each category, with the most pronounced error apparent when estimating good functional status following OHCA. A wide age range of participants has been included, with many individuals having taken a CPR course in the past and having received substantial education. From these initial results, however, there appears to be ample opportunity for further public health education to closer align the publics' perception of CPR with the actual survival rates.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical tool for saving lives, however prior studies have shown that the public believes that CPR has an unrealistically high success rate. With these misconceptions in mind, patients and family members routinely opt for all CPR interventions even when low probability of survival and intact neurological outcome exists. This lack of understanding places additional strain on healthcare resources and often results in protracted grief amongst family members in difficult situations. Simultaneously, with the expansion of the internet and the rise of social media, free access to information has become much more accessible. This study will assess the current knowledge of CPR survival rates within the community, to assess if the public's perception of CPR has shifted since previous similar studies.
METHODS:
Individuals encountered during community outreach events were invited to complete an anonymous, voluntary survey assessing layperson knowledge of CPR related outcomes. This 14-question electronic survey was administered via REDCap software. Questions included sliding scale options for estimating survivability, multiple choice options for background knowledge, and basic demographic information. Survivability response averages were compared to the American Heart Association's reported 2023 statistics to calculate percent error.
RESULTS:
Thus far, 57 responses have been recorded (n=57). Average estimated survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be 65.61% (Actual=23.6%, Percent Error=178.01%), survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be 37.68% (Actual=10.2%, Percent Error=269.41%), good functional status, defined as no new serious impairment (i.e. cognitive impairment, speech issues, weakness/immobility, etc.), following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was found to be 50.49% (Actual=8.1%, Percent Error=523.33%). 82.5% (47/57) of participants reported having taken a CPR course in the past. 80.7% (46/57) of participants reported that they would want CPR performed on themselves, and 17.5% (10/57) of participants reported having discussed their CPR preferences with a healthcare professional. Average age of respondents was 42.96 (Range: 18-90, Median: 32), and the majority highest level of education completed was "More than 4-year college degree" at 47.4% (27/57).
CONCLUSION:
Initial results of this survey study demonstrate that a considerable knowledge gap remains amongst the pubic regarding CPR related outcomes. On average, participants in the survey overestimated each category, with the most pronounced error apparent when estimating good functional status following OHCA. A wide age range of participants has been included, with many individuals having taken a CPR course in the past and having received substantial education. From these initial results, however, there appears to be ample opportunity for further public health education to closer align the publics' perception of CPR with the actual survival rates.