Self-teaching to improve patient confidence in resuscitation skills: A quality improvement project

Sudden cardiac death occurs predominantly at home where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is often not provided. We tested the hypothesis that a self-teaching kit distributed to patients would effectively increase self-confidence in CPR.

Patients seen by an advanced registered nurse practitioner in a general cardiology clinic were offered a self-teaching kit to learn CPR. Four-point scale survey questions were assessed at distribution and via phone call at 30 days.

Kits were distributed to 21 patients; of whom, 17 (81%) patients used the kit. Patients reported greater self-confidence of performing CPR (2.6 before versus 3.2 after, p < .05) and greater comfort if someone needed CPR (2.4 before versus 3.1 after, p < .05).

Self-teaching CPR kits were used by the substantial majority of patients and were effective at increasing both self-confidence and willingness to perform CPR. Similar nurse-run programs could increase awareness and impact of CPR in communities.