Lifting the Fog on Resuscitation: A Scoping Review to Define Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Aims To summarise current research that defines cardiopulmonary resuscitation and to provide a succinct conceptual definition of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Design Scoping review using JBI guidelines to develop the study protocol. Methods The most recent (2024) research papers on cardiopulmonary resuscitation were evaluated for inclusion. Individual definitions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation extracted from 25 papers were summarised and then analysed to conceptualise a single definition for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Data Sources CINAHL, Medline and Scopus databases were evaluated for inclusion. Results Definitions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation focused on interventions, mainly chest compressions and ventilation. Defibrillation was inconsistently included. There was less emphasis on criteria for initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation and desired outcomes. Conclusion This scoping review found limited consensus between definitions of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Analysis of the range of perspectives found in the review enabled the researchers to propose definitions in three areas: cardiopulmonary resuscitation, basic life support and advanced life support. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care Nurses working in hospitals and responding to cardiac arrests are guided by Advanced Resuscitation Plans and Do Not Resuscitate orders. In turn, these documents should communicate a clear definition of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in policies, procedures and standards. This is important for clinical nurses to ensure patients' consent for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation is informed. Impact Currently cardiopulmonary resuscitation is inconsistently defined. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes compressions and ventilation. A standardised definition of cardiopulmonary resuscitation supports professional nursing practice and has wider implications for patient consent and research practice. Reporting Method This scoping review adheres to and is reported according to PRISMA‐ScR. Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution.