Medical Student Perspectives on Female Anatomical Representation in CPR Training

Females who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are more likely to die than males in the same scenario, with bystanders often reluctant to perform CPR due to worries or uncertainty around touching/exposing breasts. This study aims to explore the perspectives of UK medical students on female anatomy representation in CPR training, as medical students generally attend multiple CPR training sessions, and this training shapes their future clinical practice.

A Qualtrics questionnaire was formulated, featuring quantitative and qualitative questions. This questionnaire was distributed, via Email and WhatsApp groups, to medical students who are currently studying at UK-based medical schools. Participants were primarily recruited from volunteers of the widening participation charity "Medics and Me". The questionnaire was closed after two months. Due to the small sample size (N=32), quantitative data was analysed via appropriate methods such as percentage values and measures of central tendency, as well as being statistically analysed. Qualitative data was coded and analysed, independently, then via NVivo. All data was cross-checked by each researcher to enhance analytical robustness.

The majority of respondents felt, in their experience, that CPR training failed to consider female casualties. Common themes included the use of only flat-chested CPR models and a lack of discussion around providing CPR to female casualties. There was a statistically significant difference between mean confidence performing CPR on a male member of the public (M = 4.5, SD = 0.8) compared with a female member of the public (M = 3.4, SD = 1.3), conditions: Z = 3.862 and p < 0.000002.

The findings highlight a perception among medical students that CPR training fails to consider female casualties. This supports a need for further research in this area and ultimately interventions such as incorporation of female-representative CPR models.