The effect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on psychological variables of cardiac rehabilitation patients

As a component of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is widely recommended. These recommendations advocate the importance of offering CPR training to cardiac patients' families. Prior research examining the effect of CPR training on the cardiac patients spouse or family member, suggests that receiving CPR training within a supportive environment such as cardiac rehabilitation causes no adverse psychological effects in the family members. Patients are often excluded from CPR training due to fears of the possible physiological consequences. Conversely, there may be negative psychological consequences for patients who are excluded from CPR training. Although cardiac patients are at high risk of cardiac arrest themselves this should not preclude them from having the ability to help another. The aim of this study was to assess the impact on anxiety, depression and perception of control (POC) of CPR training for the cardiac patients as an integral part of an 8-week phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme. Fifty-eight patients and 54 family members or partners attending an 8-week CR programme were offered optional CPR training during the final week of the programme. Forty-nine patient subjects were evaluated at four time points, using the hospital anxiety and depression scale and the control attitudes scale. Seventy-five percent (n = 37) of patients participated in the CPR training. Teaching CPR to cardiac patients did not affect anxiety levels adversely. There was an overall significant decrease in anxiety scores for both patient groups over time (p = 0.0071). Both patient groups showed an average moderate level of POC at baseline but the POC level in those who did the CPR training continued to increase slightly throughout the study period. If the patient agreed to undertake CPR training approximately 61% of their relatives or partners also undertook the training, but when the patient did not avail of the CPR training only 20% of their relatives or partners participated. Cardiac patients would appear to have a desire to learn CPR. It is recommended that cardiac patients be involved in CPR training as it poses them no adverse psychological consequences and may improve their perception of control. Inclusion of the patients in the CPR training may help increase the participation in CPR training by cardiac patients' families.