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Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Objective Theoretical knowledge and ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are unknown with regard to provided training. The aim of this study was to evaluate in-hospital healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) theoretical knowledge of CPR and their self-assessed ability to perform CPR and also to assess possible affecting factors. Method A questionnaire was sent to n = 5323 HCPs containing a nine-question knowledge test and a Likert scale measuring self-assessed ability. A factor score of self-assessed ability and a ratio scale of correct answers were dependent variables in multiple linear regression. Results Only 41% of the responding HCPs passed the knowledge test with seven or more correct answers. Nurses had the highest pass rate (50%) and the highest attendance rate at CPR training (56%). The ability to perform defibrillation was strongly agreed by 43% and the ability of leadership by only 7%. Working on a monitored ward, CPR training 0–6 months ago and being a nurse or physician were factors associated with more correct answers and higher ratings of abilities. Conclusion The overall theoretical knowledge was poor and ratings of self-assessed abilities to perform CPR were low. Working on a monitored ward, recently attended CPR training and being a nurse or physician were factors associated with higher theoretical knowledge and higher ratings of self-assessed ability to perform CPR. These findings imply prioritisation of CPR training.

Purpose of the studyCardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training increases knowledge and enhance self-esteem among healthcare professionals (HCP) (1, 2). The knowledge is easily lost, after 12 months the levels are equal to pre-training (3). Despite CPR-training there can be anxiety, hesitation and fear of defibrillation (4). The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and outcome of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), furthermore assess the knowledge and attitudes of CPR among HCPs at a minor hospital in Sweden.Materials and methodsThe study included all treated IHCAs in 2014 at a minor hospital in Sweden. Data from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation were investigated. Furthermore 211 questionnaires from physicians, nurses and nurse assistants were analysed.ResultsThe incidence of IHCA was 18 arrests/100 hospital beds/year and the survival rate was 33%. CPR-training was attended by 66%. A majority felt confident and would know what to do in case of an IHCA (Figure 1A). Satisfying self-perceived knowledge and more correct answers was seen among respondents with recent CPR-training. Only 7% of the respondents had all correct answers on the knowledge questions. Being able to defibrillate was strongly agreed by 58% and the skill to lead/give advice to the team was strongly agreed by only 11% (Figure 1B). More years in profession and recent CPR-training (0-6 months ago) were variables associated with confidence in CPR-knowledge and the ability to lead a resuscitation team (Figure 2A, 2B). Recent CPR-training was associated with the ability to defibrillate (Figure 2A). A long time since CPR-training and few years in profession was associated with anxiety (Figure 2A, 2B).ConclusionThe incidence and survival of IHCA was close to the estimated. A majority felt confident and would know what to do in case of a cardiac arrest but very few respondents believed they had leadership skills. The knowledge was poor.References1.tSu00f6dersved Ku00e4llestedt M L, Berglund A, Herlitz J, Leppert J, Enlund M. The impact of CPR and AED training on healthcare professionalsu2019 self-perceived attitudes to performing resuscitation. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2012;20(26):1-6.2.tSu00f6dersved Ku00e4llestedt M L, Rosenblad A, Leppert J, Herlitz J, Enlund M. Hospital Employeesu2019 knowledge on what to do in an in-hospital cardiac arrest. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2010;18:43-51.3.tGass D A, Curry L. Physiciansu2019 and nursesu2019 retention of knowledge and skill after training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Can Med Assoc J 1983;128:550-551.4.tMu00e4kinen M, Niemi-Murola L, Kaila M, Castru00e9n M. Nursesu2019 attitudes towards resuscitation and national resuscitation guidelines u2013 Nurses hesitate to start CPR-D. Resuscitation 2009;80:1399-1404.