Psychological Factors Inhibit Family Members' Confidence to Initiate CPR

Abstract

Introduction. A minority of bystanders will initiate cardiopulmonary (CPR) when a family member collapses in the home. This study sought to better understand the psychological barriers to family-initiated CPR andto determine whether sociodemographic variables are influential. Methods. Twelve hundred andeight people were contacted via telephone andasked about their experience with CPR experiences andattitudes toward initiating CPR on a family member. Results. Seventy-four percent of participants had learnt CPR and68 percent were confident to initiate CPR on a family member. Men, people who had learnt CPR, andpeople with more than 11 years of education were the most confident groups. People older than 65 were the group least likely to have learnt CPR andleast confident to initiate CPR. Participants confident to initiate CPR expressed concerns about fear of failing (37%) or indicated they had no concerns (30%). In contrast, those not confident were most concerned about performing CPR correctly (55%) and30% were afraid of failing. Conclusion CPR courses are not reaching those most likely to be called upon to use this skill. Moreover, even among those with CPR training, the desire to “get it right” andfear of failing impair confidence. Psychological barriers to performing CPR should be addressed in training courses, particularly for those groups with the least confidence, such as older people.

Key words:

• heart arrest
• survival
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• bystander