Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training, knowledge and attitudes of newly-qualified doctors in New Zealand in 2003.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the resuscitation knowledge and confidence of newly-qualified doctors in New Zealand (NZ) in 2003.


METHODS
Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to all newly-qualified doctors in NZ (n=279).


METHODS
Two hundred and thirty-three respondents from hospitals throughout NZ (84% response rate).


METHODS
Resuscitation training received during medical school and use of recommended text (Level 7 of NZ resuscitation manual), confidence in resuscitation skills and core knowledge of basic and advanced resuscitation.


RESULTS
98.3% of doctors received advanced resuscitation training during their final year of medical school, of these 64.6% had received training in the previous 6 months. The mean knowledge score was 56.6% and 45% of doctors made 'fatal errors'. Eighty-four percentage of doctors had read the Level 7 manual and 72.6% found it very or extremely useful. Those who had read the manual had higher scores and were less likely to make a 'fatal error'. Having attended a cardiac arrest and having received training within the last 6 months improved doctor confidence in resuscitation.


CONCLUSIONS
The resuscitation knowledge and confidence of newly-qualified doctors in NZ are sub-optimal, with some doctors displaying dangerous deficiencies. Our results suggest mandatory attainment of an advanced resuscitation certificate, six-monthly practical resuscitation sessions and increased exposure to real resuscitation situations should be implemented to improve undergraduate resuscitation training.
Price
Caroline S G
CS
Emergency Department, Christchurch Public Hospital, Private Bag 4710, New Zealand. carolineprice@doctors.org.uk
Bell
Sarah F
SF
Janes
Simon E J
SE
Ardagh
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*