title: Knowledge and skill after brief ACLS training.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
authors.forename: Polpun
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Boonmak
authors.forename: Suhattaya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boonmak
authors.forename: Somyong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srichaipanha
authors.forename: Sujettana
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Poomsawat
mesh_terms: 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