title: Annual resuscitation competency assessments: a review of the evidence.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Australian critical care nurses generally undertake assessment of resuscitation competencies on an annual or biannual basis. International resuscitation evidence and guidelines released in 2010 do not support this practice, instead advocating more frequent retraining.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the evidence for annual assessment of resuscitation knowledge and skills, and for the efficacy of resuscitation training practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search of the Medline and CINAHL databases was conducted using the key search words/terms 'resuscitation' 'advanced life support' 'advanced cardiac life support' 'assessment' 'cardiac arrest', 'in-hospital cardiac arrest', 'competence', 'training', 'ALS', 'ACLS' 'course' and 'competency'. The search was limited to English language publications produced during the last 10 years. The International Liaison Committee On Resuscitation worksheets were reviewed for key references, as were the reference lists of articles from the initial search.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is little evidence to support the current practice of annual resuscitation competency assessments. Theoretical knowledge has no correlation with resuscitation performance, and current practical assessment methods are problematic. Both knowledge and skills decline well before the 12-month mark. There is emerging support in the literature for frequent practice sessions using simulation technology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current practice of annual assessments is not supported by evidence. Emerging evidence for regular resuscitation practice is not conclusive, but it is likely to produce better outcomes. Changing practice in Australia also represents an opportunity to generate data to inform practice further.
authors: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia. josh.allen@deakin.edu.au
authors: Joshua A
authors: JA
authors: Allen
authors: Judy
authors: J
authors: Currey
authors: Julie
authors: J
authors: Considine
mesh_terms: D061906:Advanced Trauma Life Support Care; D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D064648:Critical Care Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000193:education