Our Level of Success in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training: Where is it?, Where does it Need to be?

Abstract

Introduction: All healthcare professionals should always have a high level of basic knowledge and skills related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) practices. Our objective in this study is to assess the knowledge of specialty students regarding CPR practices to designate training priorities, content and frequency aimed at preserving CPR knowledge and skills. Methods: Data were collected in line with the 2015 ERC guideline. A test form with 20 questions covering CPR knowledge and training status, with four options to each question, was distributed to research assistants in different clinics in a training and research hospital. Result: Knowledge and skill levels in Anesthesiology and Reanimation Departments and emergency department clinics were higher. A significant relationship was found between monthly CPR instances and these levels. Those who practiced CPR two or more times had better knowledge and skills. The relationship of CPR knowledge and skill level with the frequency of education; the level of success in 6 months, within 1 year and in those who did not receive training was determined as 67.89%, 58.49%, and 55.25%, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: Where we are, the level of knowledge and skills for CPR practices is only at 59.52% and this means that we are considerably behind our goal. Where we should be, targeted success level for CPR should be 90% or higher, which necessitates regular CPR training in all clinics. Effective rotation programs or simulation-based CPR training in clinics with monthly 0–1 CPR instances will greatly contribute to attaining our objective. Retraining at