Knowledge and skill after brief ACLS training.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the knowledge level and skill base in nurse anesthetists before and after brief ACLS training, and again three months later.


METHODS
Thirty nurse anesthetists were tested for knowledge and skill before ACLS training comprising 1-hr lecture and handout, and 1-hr simulation training. Concepts included ABCD, primary and secondary survey, management, medications, and algorithms for common problems. Skill practice comprised airway management, chest compression and practice with equipment. After the training, the nurse anesthetists were immediately tested and again three months later.


RESULTS
Age of participants averaged 39.33 + or - 3.14 years and working experience 10.04 +/- 3.23 years. The knowledge and skill scores pre- vs post-training vs three-months-later was 50.32 +/- 15.24 vs 75.40 +/- 10.29 (p < 0.001) vs 60.48 +/- 11.80 (p < 0.001) and 65.00 + 16.07 vs 79.67 +/- 10.80 (p < 0.001) vs 75.67 +/- 14.53 (p < 0.001), respectively. The pre-training vs three-months-post-training skill scores was not statistically different (p = 0.255).


CONCLUSIONS
After the briefACLS training knowledge and skills were significantly improved, but knowledge was not retained at the post-training test levels until the 3-month check, albeit skills had persisted. More frequent ACLS education is necessary.
Boonmak
Polpun
P
Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
Boonmak
Suhattaya
S
Srichaipanha
Somyong
S
Poomsawat
Sujettana
S
D000328:Adult; D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists / Q000193:education*; D013785:Thailand