Attitudes of doctors in training to cardiopulmonary resuscitation

A survey of 70 junior doctors was conducted in 2006 to analyse their attitudes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All had advanced life support training, yet 73% found CPR stressful. Major causes of stress included poor outcome and inappropriate CPR. The expectations of junior doctors regarding survival after CPR were unrealistic. Inappropriate CPR resulted from the failure of seniors to ascertain CPR status. It was statistically proven that six-monthly training/updates are associated with less stress and increased confidence. Most junior doctors found discussing CPR with patients/relatives difficult. CPR-related stress may be minimised by creating awareness of the procedure's poor outcome, by ensuring that seniors document CPR status where relevant, and by encouraging junior doctors to undergo debriefing and six-monthly training/updates. Stress arising from discussing CPR with patients/relatives may be minimised by training organised by the employing trust and by increasing patients' understanding of CPR through information leaflets.