Despite Widespread Interest in CPR Certification, Most Americans Lack Awareness on Education and Training, New Research Shows

Survey commissioned by athenahealth also reveals generational and gender differences when it comes to CPR education and training

Despite the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), new research from athenahealth shows that access and cost barriers are preventing more people from learning to adequately administer the emergency procedure.

The findings, announced today by athenahealth, Inc., a leading provider of network-enabled software and services for medical groups and health systems nationwide, found that only 28% of respondents are currently CPR trained, yet more than a quarter of respondents want to be trained. Respondents cited uncertainty of where or how to get training (27%), as the main reason for not receiving it.

Most cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, highlighting the importance of general CPR awareness. And according to the American Heart Association, when the event happens outside of the home or hospital, fewer than 40% of these people receive CPR from bystanders and fewer than 12% have an automated external defibrillator (AED) applied before emergency personnel arrive. Of those surveyed, only 7% of respondents have an AED at home, yet 61% of respondents would like to purchase an AED for personal use. Additionally, the findings show that being CPR trained doesn’t always translate into knowing how to safely perform CPR or being comfortable administering CPR. Despite 55% of respondents either currently or previously being CPR trained, only 22% of survey respondents knew the correct pace for performing chest compressions.

“If administered properly, AED usage, combined with CPR, is extremely effective at saving lives,” said Amanda Alexander Moats, administrator at Pensacola Cardiology. “Yet it is rare for a person to be both CPR trained and have access to an AED outside of a hospital setting.”

Interventional cardiologist Heather Shenkman, MD, FACC, noted that cost remains a challenge when it comes to accessing AED units, which can start in the thousand-dollar range. “On top of that, most people aren’t always willing to invest the time and resources to be CPR trained, which can require research into courses and using personal time to become certified,” Dr. Shenkman said. “Given the benefits and the fact that we are talking about saving lives, there needs to be more convenient, free access to training for individuals in the United States.”

Only 20% of respondents reported needing CPR training for their job, but 84% expressed a desire to be trained if their employer both provided and paid for the training, regardless of whether it was a requirement. Millennials, defined as those born between 1981-1996, had the highest percentage of respondents who are required to be CPR trained for their job (31%) and had the highest percentage (91%) who said they would take CPR training if their employer covered the cost and provided it.

“With CPR, we are talking about the difference between life or death in some instances, and unfortunately there just are not enough Americans trained in CPR,” said Acey Albert, MD, FACP, director, clinical content at epocrates, an athenahealth, Inc., company. Dr. Albert added that many people could benefit from more education on heart emergencies, noting that athenahealth’s research revealed that nearly 40% of respondents think cardiac arrest and a heart attack are the same thing.

“Our research shows that despite a lack of training, there is not just a willingness but a desire by many to learn CPR,” added Dr. Albert. “In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death. It would be incredibly beneficial to make training and education more accessible and affordable to the general population, not just those in professions where it is a requirement.”

The survey also revealed the following generational and gender differences around CPR:

• More men are currently CPR trained than women (31% men vs. 24% women).
• Of respondents who are CPR trained, men are more comfortable administering CPR than women (61% men vs. 47% women).
• Millennials have the highest percentage of respondents who are currently CPR trained (40%).
• Millennials have the highest percentage of respondents who are comfortable with administering CPR (66%).

For information on where to get CPR trained in the United States, visit here.

Methodology

The online survey, which was completed by 1,000 U.S. adults, was commissioned by athenahealth and fielded by Dynata, a global market research firm, in January 2023.

About athenahealth, Inc.

athenahealth creates innovative healthcare technology that connects clinicians, patients, payers, and partners in differentiated ways. Our electronic health record, revenue cycle management, and patient engagement solutions allow anytime, anywhere access, driving better financial outcomes for our customers and enabling our provider customers to deliver better quality care. In everything we do, we’re inspired by our vision to create a thriving ecosystem that delivers accessible, high-quality, and sustainable healthcare for all. For more information, please visit www.athenahealth.com.

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