The REAppropriate Study: Perception of Inappropriate CPR: a Multicenter International Cross-sectional Survey

The primary objective of this study is to determine how often cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is perceived as inappropriate by Healthcare Providers (HCPs) working in prehospital Ambulance Services and Emergency Departments. Perception of inappropriate CPR is defined as resuscitation efforts perceived by HCPs as disproportionate to the expected prognosis of the patient in terms of survival or quality of life.

When a HCP perceives CPR as inappropriate, this may cause moral and emotional distress. This perception may be modulated by the personal background and professional role of the HCP, but also by his/her working conditions. Apart from the workload, the resulting distress can be influenced by the way non-technical skills are developed within the team and the ethical environment in which the HCP functions. Frequent exposure to similar patient care situations and/or a professional environment not acknowledging the distress may lead to deficient coping mechanisms and accumulation of moral distress. This may be associated with job leave, burnout and a decreased quality of patient care. Acute distress may also influence the quality of care provided to actual and future patients.

Secondary objectives of the study are to evaluate whether perceived inappropriateness of CPR is not only associated with patient related factors but also with personal characteristics and work related factors. Potential consequences for HCP's like moral distress and intentional job leave will be assessed.