Impact of written information on knowledge and preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate knowledge about and attitudes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to determine whether written information about CPR alters knowledge and choices made.


METHODS
Questionnaire-based survey before and immediately after provision of written information describing CPR and its risks and benefits.


METHODS
All health professionals (803) and competent inpatients (260) in a tertiary care hospital (John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia) in June 1994.


METHODS
CPR knowledge scores and choice scores (number of hypothetical clinical scenarios in which CPR would be chosen) before and after provision of information about CPR.


RESULTS
Response rates were 64% (health professionals) and 58% (patients). Patients had limited awareness of procedures involved in CPR, while both patients and health professionals overestimated its success rates. Mean knowledge scores increased after provision of information: for patients, from 6.4 out of 18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0-6.9) to 10.4 (95% CI, 9.9-11.1); and for health professionals, from 11.9 (95% CI, 11.7-12.1) to 13.9 (95% CI, 13.7-14.2). In contrast, mean choice scores decreased after provision of information: for patients, from 5.3 out of 12 (95% CI, 4.7-5.7) to 4.4 (95% CI, 3.9-4.8); and for health professionals, from 4.1 (95% CI, 3.9-4.2) to 3.5 (95% CI, 3.3-3.7).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results imply that people understand and use prognostic information to make decisions about CPR. To make autonomous judgements, patients and health professionals need better education on CPR outcomes.
Kerridge
I H
IH
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, NSW. ikerridg@mail.newcastle.edu.au
Pearson
S A
SA
Rolfe
I E
IE
Lowe
M
M
McPhee
J R
JR
D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires