Experience of emergency healthcare professionals in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and its relationship with self-efficacy: A qualitative approach

Abstract

Aim: To gain a deeper knowledge of the phenomenon of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by capturing the meanings that professionals attach to the behaviour of reanimation and its relationship with Social Cognitive Theory.

Method: Qualitative research from a phenomenological approach focussing on field work with a focus group of professionals from Madrid (doctors, nurses and technicians), as well as a previous study. After the transcription of the data, it was coded, categories were formed and it was grouped into dimensions, interpreting the data according to the Social Cognitive Theory. Data was collected from other sources, experience of professionals and family members who had witnessed a cardiopulmonary resuscitation, until the saturation of the data.

Results: The phenomena that affect the people involved in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation were explored holistically. The relevant aspects to feel able to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as well as those that may hinder the behaviour were identified. Two dimensions were found, personal and situational factors, as well as several categories in each dimension related to Bandura's theory of self-efficacy.

Conclusions: Professionals' self-efficacy in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation does not always depend on the technical skills acquired. Personal and situational factors influence the professional being able to vary their behaviour cognitively and emotionally. This knowledge enables cardiopulmonary resuscitation competencies in a clinical situation to be improved and individualized training programmes to be designed in teaching practice.

Keywords: Autoeficacia; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; Clinical competence; Competencia clínica; Emociones; Emotions; Reanimación cardiopulmonar; Self-efficacy.