Preparedness for paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation amongst medical doctors working in primary health care facilities in Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the principal medical intervention used to reduce the high mortality associated with the cardiorespiratory arrest. There is a paucity of literature on the preparedness for paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (pCPR) amongst doctors in Cape Town. This study aimed to assess the preparedness for pCPR of doctors working in Western Cape Provincial Government primary health care facilities (PHCFs) in Cape Town with regard to knowledge, confidence and doctors’ knowledge of equipment availability. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire to collect quantitative data from a sample of 206 doctors working in Cape Town PHCFs. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 173 doctors (84% response rate). The majority (81.8%) had not undergone pCPR training (Paediatric Advanced Life Support or Advanced Paediatric Life Support). Basic life support was done by 88.3%: 28% greater than two years ago. The average pCPR knowledge score was 61% (standard deviation [s.d.]: 20.3, range: 8.3% – 100%). Doctors in their community service and internship years had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to grade 3 Medical officers (p = 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). Eleven per cent had performed pCPR > 10 times in the past year; 20% had never performed pCPR and 35% did not feel confident performing pCPR. More than 35% of doctors were uncertain about the availability of equipment in their facility. CONCLUSION: Doctors working in Cape Town PHCFs have poor knowledge, have low confidence levels and are poorly prepared to perform pCPR. Urgent attention needs to be given to ensuring formal pCPR training and acquaintance with equipment availability and location in Cape Town PHCFs.