Knowledge and perceptions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst New Zealand physiotherapists

Abstract

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential life-saving skill shown to save lives and improve outcomes of survivors. Physiotherapists are ethically obliged to ensure the safety of patients and to assist in an emergency if required. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and perceptions of CPR amongst New Zealand physiotherapists. Chi-square statistics were used to test associations between the independent variables of age, sex, years of experience, scope and place of work, and postgraduate qualification against CPR training, beliefs and knowledge. A total of 688 physiotherapists completed the online survey. Only half of respondents (56%) had received formal CPR training in the previous year. One-fifth had used CPR in an emergency, with most applications being successful. Physiotherapists working in private practice, public hospitals and community settings were more likely to have CPR certification compared to other settings (p = 0.004). Significant CPR knowledge gaps existed in older (> 39 years) physiotherapists (p < 0.001). The current low frequency of CPR training and the likelihood of having to perform CPR in an emergency (1 in 5) is a risk for physiotherapists. Future research should focus on a practical assessment of physiotherapists’ CPR skills to assess competency.

Is it time to make regular cardiopulmonary resuscitation training mandatory for all New Zealand registered physiotherapists?

“…Hence, it is crucial to know the location of the nearest accessible AED and how to use it correctly. Harvey et al (2019) found physiotherapists older than 39 years of age were more likely to be incorrect to specific AED knowledge questions than younger physiotherapists. Modern technology has made locating AEDs easier with mobile phone applications that can put this information in the palm of your hand.…”

“…The framework states that "sports physiotherapists must hold up-to-date competencies in basic life support and management of acute trauma situations" (Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, 2018, p. 80). Surprisingly, the recent survey of New Zealand physiotherapists found that clinicians working in private practice, public hospitals and community settings were more likely to have CPR certification compared to those working with sports teams (Harvey et al, 2019). Harvey et al (2019) reported that about half (56%) of respondents had completed formal CPR training in the 12 months before participating in the survey.…”

“…Surprisingly, the recent survey of New Zealand physiotherapists found that clinicians working in private practice, public hospitals and community settings were more likely to have CPR certification compared to those working with sports teams (Harvey et al, 2019). Harvey et al (2019) reported that about half (56%) of respondents had completed formal CPR training in the 12 months before participating in the survey. Conversely, the New Zealand Resuscitation Council recommends repeated refresher training for individuals who are not performing resuscitation regularly -stating that individuals should refresh their CPR skills annually (Australian and New Zealand Resuscitation Committee on Resuscitation, 2013).…”

“…Health professionals play a vital role in ensuring the performance of all links of the cardiac arrest Chain of Survival (Figure 1) occur in a timely and proficient manner (Nolan, Soar, & Eikeland, 2006). A recent survey of New Zealand registered physiotherapists identified that 20% of participants had used CPR in an emergency (Harvey, O'Brien, Moran, & Webber, 2019). With the knowledge that our population is ageing and that patients are often presenting with more concurrent complex health conditions, this figure could increase in the future.…”

“…While many physiotherapists hold CPR certification due to employment or contractual requirements, currently CPR certification is not mandatory for all physiotherapists practising in New Zealand (Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, 2018). In their survey, Harvey et al (2019) found over three-quarters of physiotherapists who responded to the survey believed CPR training should be mandatory. These factors led us to raise the question: Is it time to make regular cardiopulmonary resuscitation training mandatory for all New Zealand registered physiotherapists?…”