make a substantial difference in patient outcomes. Therefore, evaluating their knowledge of CPR is crucial to ensure the readiness of the healthcare workforce in the state.

While CPR training is recommended for all healthcare providers, there may be variations in the quality and extent of training received across different regions and healthcare facilities. Factors such as the availability of training programs, resource constraints and variations in the curriculum may influence the competence of medical officers in delivering effective CPR [6,7].

The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among medical officers working in the state of Himachal Pradesh. By evaluating their proficiency in CPR techniques, this research aims to identify potential gaps in training and areas where targeted interventions can enhance the quality of cardiac care in this challenging yet beautiful region.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among medical officers working in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Research Methodology

• Research Approach-Descriptive

• Research Design-Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area: Hilly state of Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration- between April 2023 to July 2023

• Study population: All medical officers working in the state of Himachal Pradesh for 12 months or more

• Sample size-100 medical officers assuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 10% absolute error, 95% confidence level and 5% non-response rate

• Sampling Technique-convenience and snowball Sampling technique

• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of medical officers to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

Description of Tool

Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender etc.

Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 10 structured questions regarding knowledge about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation having multiple options. The participants have to choose right one. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 10 and minimum score was zero in each category. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as:

>80%(9-10)=very good,60-79%(7-8) =Good,41-59% ( 4-6 )=Fair,<40% (< 4)=poor

• Validity of tool- by the experts in this field

• Inclusive Criteria- who were willing to participate in the study.

• Exclusion Criteria: who were not willing to participate in the study

Data Collection

Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated via online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn among medical officers working in the state of Himachal Pradesh till the 100 responses were collected. Responses were then recorded in a Google Excel spreadsheet.

Data Analysis

Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage. 

Table 1 present study was cross sectional descriptive study carried out to evaluate knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among medical officers working in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

Table 2 present study, 31 study participants had very good knowledge (9-10 marks) regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 37 had good knowledge (7-8 marks), 22 had fair knowledge (4-6 marks) and 10 had poor knowledge (<4 marks) regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical lifesaving skill, especially in regions like Himachal Pradesh, where challenging terrain and limited accessibility to healthcare facilities can delay emergency medical services. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of CPR among medical officers in Himachal Pradesh, shedding light on their preparedness to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. The findings of this study offer insights into both strengths and areas that require attention in improving cardiac care.

In this study, a substantial proportion of medical officers demonstrated very good (31%) and good (37%) knowledge of CPR. These findings are promising and suggest that a significant number of medical officers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to initiate CPR effectively during cardiac emergencies. This may be attributed to their prior training and commitment to staying updated on CPR guidelines and techniques.

However, it is essential to recognize that a notable portion of medical officers exhibited fair (22%) or poor (10%) knowledge of CPR. These results highlight potential gaps in training and underscore the importance of targeted interventions to enhance CPR competence among healthcare professionals. Similar studies conducted in various regions have also identified variations in CPR knowledge among healthcare providers [6,7].

Comparing these findings with existing research reveals that the quality and extent of CPR training may vary across regions and healthcare facilities [8,10]. Factors such as limited access to training programs, resource constraints and variations in the curriculum can contribute to these disparities.

The study's results emphasize the need for standardized, high-quality CPR training programs for healthcare providers, particularly medical officers, who are often the first responders in cardiac emergencies. Addressing the identified knowledge gaps and enhancing CPR skills can significantly improve patient outcomes in Himachal Pradesh.

To bridge these knowledge gaps and enhance CPR competence, healthcare authorities in Himachal Pradesh should consider implementing the following strategies. Develop and implement standardized CPR training programs accessible to all medical officers, regardless of their location or healthcare facility. These programs should adhere to international CPR guidelines and emphasize hands-on practice.

Table 1: Responses to the questions regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Table 2: Knowledge regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) among study participants

Offer regular refresher courses to ensure medical officers maintain their CPR skills and stay updated on the latest guidelines and techniques. Resource Allocation: Allocate resources to ensure that healthcare facilities have access to essential CPR equipment, such as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This can significantly improve the quality of care provided during cardiac emergencies. Continuously review and update the CPR curriculum to align with international best practices. Ensure that training materials are culturally sensitive and applicable to the local context. Conduct awareness campaigns among medical officers and the broader community to emphasize the importance of CPR and early intervention in cardiac emergencies. Collaborate with professional organizations, universities and medical institutions to strengthen CPR training and certification processes.

In conclusion, while a significant number of medical officers in Himachal Pradesh demonstrate commendable knowledge of CPR, there are notable gaps that must be addressed to ensure that all healthcare providers are well-equipped to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies. Implementing standardized training programs and other supportive measures can significantly enhance the quality of cardiac care and improve patient outcomes in the state.

Ethical Considerations

Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained.

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