Possibilities for, and obstacles to, CPR training among cardiac care patients and their co-habitants

Aim : To investigate the level of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training among cardiac patients and their co-habitants and to describe the possibilities for, and obstacles to, CPR training among this group. Methods : All patients admitted to a coronary care unit during a four-month period were considered for participation in an interview study. Out of 401 patients, 268 were co-habiting. This study deals with these subjects. Results : According to the answers given by the patients, 46% of the patients and 33% of the co-habitants had attended a CPR course at some time. Among those who had not previously attended a course, 58% were willing to attend, and 60% of the patients whose co-habitant had not received CPR education, wanted him or her to attend a course. The major obstacle to CPR training was the patient's own medical status. The major obstacle to the co-habitant's participation was the patient's doubts concerning their partner's physical ability or willingness to participate. Younger persons were more often willing to undergo training than older persons (p < 0.0001). Of those patients who had previously attended a course or who were willing to undergo training, 72% were prepared to do so together with their co-habitant. A course specially designed for cardiac patients and their relatives was a possible alternative for 75% of those willing to participate together with their co-habitant. Conclusions :Two-thirds of the patients did not believe that their co-habitant had taken part in CPR training. More than half of these would like their co-habitant to attend such a course. Seventy-two percent were willing to participate in CPR instruction together with their co-habitant. Major obstacles to CPR training were doubts concerning the co-habitant's willingness or physical ability and their own medical status. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.