Readiness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an emerging strategy against sudden cardiac death.
OBJECTIVE
This investigation assessed motivational factors and psychosocial barriers that affect individual readiness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This is the first study to use the Transtheoretical model in assessing readiness to perform CPR.


METHODS
A sample of 786 subjects, > or = 45 years of age and who resided in a private residence, were randomly selected to participate in a structured telephone interview. Data on motivational readiness, emotional state, perceived psychosocial barriers, and perceived efficacy in performing CPR were collected using dichotomous and Likert-type ratings.


RESULTS
Subjects with greater motivational readiness expected to experience significantly fewer symptoms of emotional distress during a cardiac emergency and to encounter fewer psychosocial barriers. This group also reported greater efficacy in their ability to perform CPR. These findings were independent of gender, medical history, age, and educational level.


CONCLUSIONS
Meaningful differences are apparent in individual readiness to perform CPR. These findings provide additional support for the need to tailor CPR training strategies using behavioral methods that enhance motivational readiness and decrease apprehension about anticipated emotional distress and psychosocial barriers.
Nolan
R P
RP
Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. nolan@zeus.med.uottawa.ca
Wilson
E
E
Shuster
M
M
Rowe
B H
BH
Stewart
D
D
Zambon
S
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000339:Affect; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods*; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States