Prone Position Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Preparedness: Tool Development

Abstract

Abstract Background Patients in specialized units are purposely maintained in a prone position to surgically access internal organs or to improve patients’ oxygenation. Cardiac arrest unpredictably might occur while patients are in a prone position. The preparedness of health care providers (HCPs) to respond to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while patients are in a prone position (PPCPR) cannot be underestimated. Purpose This study aims to develop a tool to measure health care providers’ preparedness to perform prone position CPR, and to undertake an exploratory factor analysis. Methods A mixed-methods approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative design is used. The PPCPR preparedness English language tool was constructed and tested for its validity and reliability, and an exploratory factor analysis was undertaken, among a convenience sample of 305 HCPs in different health care sectors in Jordan. Results The exploratory factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution that explained 69.51% of the variance. These factors are competency and confidence, planning and training, and support and resource availability. The overall Cronbach’s alpha is 0.959 that indicates very good internal consistency. The final version of the tool consisted of 26 items that measure HCPs’ preparedness to perform PPCPR. Conclusion The final constructed PPCPR tool was found to be a valid and reliable tool. Moreover, the development of that tool represents a significant step towards improving HCPs’ preparedness to perform prone position CPR. By providing a standardized and comprehensive assessment tool, health care facilities can identify gaps in their readiness and implement targeted interventions to enhance their capabilities.