Evaluation of Basic and Advanced Life Support Knowledge of Resident Doctors at Kayseri Training and Research Hospital

Abstract

Introduction and Objective Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which includes Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Post Resuscitation Care (PRC), has become an important medical topic that is kept current with constantly changing and updated guidelines. Guidelines for CPR and ALCS are published approximately every 5 years. It is especially important for medical residents to approach cardiopulmonary arrest with up-to-date information. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether medical residents (MRs) at Kayseri Training and Research Hospital (KTRH) can recognize cardiac arrest, their knowledge and skill level of BLS and ACLS, the factors that influence them, their interest in recent developments, and the possible benefits of training that can be organized. Materials and Methods This study was conducted between 30.12.2015-01.05.2016, as a descriptive questionnaire study to evaluate the approaches and knowledge levels of MRs working in 11 different clinics at KERH regarding the application of CPR and HRBA. The questionnaire consisted of a personal information form as well as questions assessing BLS and ACLS, CPR training and CPR application history. The questionnaires were administered face-to-face by the researchers. SPSS Statistics 22.0 (SPSS Inc. ®, Chicago, USA) program was used for statistical analysis of the survey data, and variables were expressed as arithmetic mean ± standard deviation or median, minimum and maximum values, and categorical variables were expressed as numbers and percentages according to their distribution structure. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the conformity of the data to the normal distribution. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine differences between two independent groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine differences between more than two independent groups. Results There were 163 participants in the study. When the correct response rate to BLS questions was analyzed, the mean correct response rate was 51.8 ± 14.8% and the mean correct response rate to ACLS questions was 53.6 ± 19.2%. The mean correct response rate to the BLS survey was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among those who considered themselves competent in CPR than among those who did not consider themselves competent in CPR. The mean number of correct responses to the knowledge assessment questions was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among those who felt CPR training in medical school was adequate and who followed ALCS and CPR guidelines than among those who felt CPR training was inadequate and who did not follow CPR guidelines. There was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between age and length of practice and the correct rate of Basic Life Support knowledge scores. There was a significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between age and years of practice and Basic Life Support knowledge scores. In addition, the mean ACLS knowledge level correct response rate was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in surgical specialties than in medical specialties. Conclusion. In order to increase the chances of survival in cases of reversible sudden cardiac arrest, BLS and ACLS training should be renewed and updated on a global and national level, starting with the health care professionals.