Prescribing CPR: a survey of physicians

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine
• Family Practice

Background:

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure.
• Physician counseling influences patient and family engagement in CPR education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess physician attitudes and practices regarding CPR counseling.
• To identify barriers and opportunities for promoting CPR education in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 55 cardiologists, internists, and family practitioners.
• Interviews focused on CPR counseling for patients and their families.

Main Results:

• Unanimous support for citizen-CPR was reported.
• Only 40% recommended CPR training to spouses of coronary heart disease patients.
• 42% did not counsel patients about cardiac arrest.

Conclusions:

• Physician practices lag behind support for CPR education.
• The doctor's office presents an underutilized opportunity for CPR promotion.
• Enhanced physician training and patient counseling are needed.