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Research Snapshot Theater: Patient and Family Support, Adult

Empowering Family Members of Critical Care Patients With Hands-Only CPR Training

Sunday, March 22, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Central Time
Location: Connections Central - RST 09
Introduction: Initiating CPR immediately after witnessing sudden cardiac arrest is associated with a significant increase in the chance of survival. According to the AHA, 70% of cardiac arrests occur at home .There is a significant relationship between self-confidence in bystander CPR and previous training. In ICU's ,patients are admitted after cardiac arrest or are at risk for cardiac arrest. The purpose of this project was to empower patients' family members by increasing their knowledge and confidence to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and perform CPR at home—enabling them to act quickly to help a loved one or someone in their community.


Methods: We offered hands-only CPR classes to patients’ family members admitted to the ICU. A learning needs assessment survey was administered and demonstrated interest from patients’ family members in learning hands-only CPR. Clinical nurses recruited family members and provided just-in-time training to those interested. Once recruited, they signed a liability waiver, and were presented an informational session on how to recognize cardiac arrest, how to perform hands-only CPR, and a video testimonial of a cardiac arrest victim who survived after receiving hands-only CPR. The participants practiced hands-only CPR on an AHA compliant manikin with coaching on rate and depth of chest compressions. Pre and post surveys were conducted among the participants to assess their confidence, ability to recognize cardiac arrest symptoms, and performance of hands-only CPR. Attendees were offered the option to record themselves performing CPR on their own phones, allowing them to review and reinforce their skills whenever needed.


Results: Statistical analysis of pre and post survey data utilizing Wilcoxon signed-rank test and paired t-test revealed a significant improvement in self-confidence in CPR performance (p=0.00), recognition of cardiac arrest symptoms (p=0.00), and willingness of the participant to perform CPR (p=0.034) after participating in the training.


Conclusions: The implementation of hands-only CPR training successfully empowered family members of critical care patients with the knowledge and confidence to act in a cardiac emergency and help save a life. This low-cost, replicable initiative enhances both patient safety and community preparedness.