Introduction

The objective of this study was to assess whether small animal veterinarians across Western Europe are compliant with the 2012 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER).

Methods

A previously published online questionnaire from Switzerland was translated into 7 languages, corresponding to national languages in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The survey was distributed via respective national veterinary organizations and social media outlets. A subset of questions was analyzed to evaluate respondent demographics, RECOVER guideline awareness, and allocate composite compliance scores for CPR preparedness (PREP), basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). Percentages of group total (95% confidence interval) were calculated. Percentage of compliant respondents was compared among regions using Chi-square test and compliance in respondents aware versus unaware of guideline existence was compared using Fisher’s exact test. Significance was defined as P<0.05.

Results

Nine-hundred and thirty respondents were included in analysis. RECOVER guideline awareness was significantly different across regions with the highest reported awareness in Italy, in 76% (63–86%) of respondents, and lowest in France, in only 16% (11–23%) of respondents (P<0.004). PREP, BLS, and ALS compliance were significantly different across regions (P<0.004, respectively). Lowest PREP compliance was reported in Portugal (1% [0–5%]) and highest in Germany/Austria (35% [23–49%]). Compliance with BLS recommendations was highest in Germany/Austria (33% [21–47%]) and lowest in France (4% [2–9%]) and Portugal (4% [2–9%]). ALS compliance was highest in Germany/Austria (22% [13–36%]) and lowest in France (0% [0–3%]) and Portugal (0% [0–3%]). Compliance across all three categories was highest in Germany/Austria (14% [7–27%]), followed by UK/Ireland respondents (5% [3–8%]). Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, and the Netherlands were ascribed total guideline compliance in 1% of respondents or less. Respondents aware of guideline existence had higher compliance than those unaware when combining all regions (P<0.004).

Conclusions

Awareness and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied significantly among countries surveyed, however overall compliance scores in all countries were considered low. Further research may highlight factors surrounding poor guideline awareness and compliance so targeted efforts can be made to improve veterinary CPR in Europe.

E-mail: simon3hagley@yahoo.co.uk