The presence of resuscitation equipment and influencing factors at General Practitioners’ offices in Denmark: A cross-sectional study

Background

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have proven effective when used by GPs. Despite this and the latest guidelines from the European Resuscitation Council, there are no recommendations for Danish GPs regarding proper equipment to treat cardiac arrest. Currently, there are no published data on the distribution of AEDs among GPs in Denmark.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of resuscitation equipment and educated staff among Danish GPs and the parameters influencing the absence of AEDs at GP offices.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey among the 2030 GPs registered in Denmark. Questions concerned demographics, occurrence of resuscitation equipment and attitude towards acquisition of an AED.

Results

With a response rate >70%, we found that the prevalence of AEDs in GP offices is low (31.7%). Limited financial possibilities and relevant treatment by ambulance personnel were stated as the primary causes for not having an AED. In general, Danish primary care physicians believe that AEDs should be governmentally sponsored. Positive influential factors on the acquisition of an AED were education, number of physicians in the GP office and previous experience of cardiac arrest.

Conclusions

Danish primary care physicians are generally not equipped with AEDs despite the proven effect of AEDs in GP offices. The main reasons for not acquiring an AED are financial considerations and believing that response time by ambulance services and nearby health facilities are the optimal treatment. We recommend better education and information in order to facilitate future acquisition of AEDs among GPs.