Knowledge and perceptions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst New Zealand physiotherapists

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential life-saving skill shown to save lives and improve outcomes of survivors. Physiotherapists are ethically obliged to ensure the safety of patients and to assist in an emergency if required. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and perceptions of CPR amongst New Zealand physiotherapists. Chi-square statistics were used to test associations between the independent variables of age, sex, years of experience, scope and place of work, and postgraduate qualification against CPR training, beliefs and knowledge. A total of 688 physiotherapists completed the online survey. Only half of respondents (56%) had received formal CPR training in the previous year. One-fifth had used CPR in an emergency, with most applications being successful. Physiotherapists working in private practice, public hospitals and community settings were more likely to have CPR certification compared to other settings (p = 0.004). Significant CPR knowledge gaps existed in older (> 39 years) physiotherapists (p < 0.001). The current low frequency of CPR training and the likelihood of having to perform CPR in an emergency (1 in 5) is a risk for physiotherapists. Future research should focus on a practical assessment of physiotherapists’ CPR skills to assess competency.