Proficiency and knowledge gained and retained by pediatric residents after neonatal resuscitation course.
BACKGROUND
In previous studies the efficacy of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) was evaluated, demonstrating good retention of knowledge in the participants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and proficiency that pediatric residents gained and retained following NRP and to determine the necessity and timing of the refresher courses.


METHODS
The study consisted of 42 pediatric residents who were divided into three groups. Group 1 included pediatric residents who attended the course 1 year previously (n = 18); group 2, 6 months previously (n = 12); and group 3 included those residents who had not attended the NRP previously (n = 12). A written test consisting of 100 questions was applied, and endotracheal intubation skill on a neonatal manikin was evaluated.


RESULTS
The percentage of correct answers of participants in groups 1 and 2 decreased similarly during the 6 month and 1 year time period following previous courses. After the new NRP the correct answers increased significantly in groups 1 and 2. The duration of intubation attempt was 17.8 +/- 6.0 s in group 1, 17.5 +/- 1.5 s in group 2, and 22.3 +/- 2.6 s in group 3 before the course and decreased after the course to 10.9 +/- 2.0 s in group 1, 10.3 +/- 1.5 s in group 2, and 11.7 +/- 1.6 s in group 3. The knowledge missing after 6 months and 1 year were similar, while intubation skill decreased after 1 year following the course.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to worsening of test findings at 6 months after NRP, and deterioration of performance of intubation 1 year after NRP, it is suggested that a refresher course may be required every year.
Duran
Ridvan
R
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey. ridvan_duran@yahoo.com
Aladağ
Nükhet
N
Vatansever
Ulfet
U
Küçükuğurluoğlu
Yasemin
Y
Süt
Necdet
N
Acunaş
Betül
B
D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008348:Manikins; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012153:Retention, Psychology