The Effect of Basic Life Support Education on Laypersons' Willingness and Self-confidence in Performing Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to laypersons is to give them the confidence and willingness to perform CPR in a real cardiac arrest, as well as the basic required knowledge and skills. However, no study has examined laypersons' confidence and willingness to act in a real, life-threatening situation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of CPR education on bystanders' confidence and attitude in performing bystander CPR. METHODS: From March to May 2008, 168 participants receiving 4 hours of CPR education were asked using a questionnaire about their confidence and willingness to perform bystander CPR before the education, after theoretical education, and after practical education. Those who answered that they wouldn't perform bystander CPR were asked for the reasons. RESULTS: Scores in confidence of bystander CPR were 50.4 +/-27.9 before the education, 64.9+/-22.5 after the theoretical education, and 79.5+/-16.1(p<0.001) after the practical education. The 'definitely yes' answer to 'willingness to perform CPR on a strange adult', increased from only 8.3% before the education to 18.5% after the theoretical education and 32.7% after the practical education (p<0.001). Among the reasons for not performing bystander CPR, 'fear of poor knowledge/performance' and 'fear of disease transmission' seemed to decrease as the education was carried on. However, the reasons 'fear of legal liability' and 'reluctance to perform mouth-to-mouth' showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Adequate education, including theoretical and practical CPR education, among laypersons significantly increased their confidence and willingness to perform bystander CPR.