Assessment of self-perceived knowledge, attitude and competence among health care professionals regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation of pregnant females: A national survey

The true incidence of cardiac arrest during pregnancy is unknown but has been estimated to be around 1:50000 to 1:36000. The change in obstetric population due to delay in pregnancy to late and an increase in obesity has led to an increased incidence of cardiopulmonary arrest in parturients requiring CPR. Optimal maternal and fetal outcomes depend upon the underlying cause of arrest, the speed with which arrest is diagnosed and intervened by the response team and a thorough understanding of the principles and technique of resuscitation including the differences from non pregnant population. It is therefore important for medical personnel specially the anaesthesiologist and the obstetrician to have adequate knowledge of the anatomical and physiological changes in these patients so as to provide effective CPR in case need arises.

There is a paucity in literature throwing light on the knowledge, attitude and practices of health care workers regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pregnant females. So we planned this study to assess self-perceived knowledge, attitude and competence among health care professionals regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation of pregnant females.

To the best of our knowledge, there is no study evaluating, knowledge, attitude and competence of Indian Healthcare Professionals regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pregnant females.