Radiographers' confidence versus competence in performing chest compressions

Radiographers often encounter patients experiencing in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), yet their basic life support (BLS) competence, particularly in chest compressions, remains under-assessed. This study investigates the relationship between self-reported confidence and objectively measured competence in performing chest compressions among radiographers.

Radiographers (n = 66) completed a 36-item questionnaire and performed chest compressions on a Laerdal Little Anne QCPR manikin. Quantitative data were analysed to explore correlations between confidence, competence, and influencing factors such as clinical experience and training history.

Real-world CPR experience significantly improved performance of chest compressions (p < 0.001), yet 78.8% of participants had not encountered such situations and 8% had never undergone training despite working clinically. While 45.5% of participants reported high confidence in chest compressions, only 42.4% met the 70% competence threshold based on Laerdal QCPR system guidance. Although this 70% cut-off provides a useful benchmark for research and training assessment, it should be noted that no official resuscitation council or certifying body specifies a numerical passing percentage for practical competence. A weak positive correlation was observed between confidence and competence (r = 0.31, p < 0.05).

Participants with real-world CPR experience demonstrated significantly better performance. Confidence is not a reliable indicator of competence in performing chest compressions among radiographers. Findings highlight the need for regular, hands-on refresher training and simulation-based education tailored to radiography settings to bridge the gap between perceived and actual ability.

Radiographers may be among the first healthcare professionals to respond when a patient has a cardiac arrest in hospital. This study surveyed radiographers and tested their chest compression skills on a training manikin to compare confidence with actual performance. This study found that confidence was only weakly related to skill level, and fewer than half of participants met the competence benchmark, although those with real-life CPR experience performed better. This matters because regular hands-on training and practice may help radiographers respond more effectively during medical emergencies and support safer patient care.