Knowledge and Skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Effect of Simulation Training on it among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Aim and background: High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is associated with improved patient outcomes, but healthcare workers (HCWs) may be frequently undertrained.This study aimed to assess baseline knowledge and skills among HCWs about basic and advanced life support and the effect of simulation-based training on it.Methods: It was a single-center prospective quasi-interventional study among resident doctors and nurses at a Tertiary Center in New Delhi, India.A questionnaire-based assessment was done to assess baseline knowledge.The participants then underwent simulation-based training followed by questionnaire-based knowledge assessment and skill assessment.A repeat questionnaire-based assessment was done 6 months post-training to assess knowledge retention.Results: A total of 82 HCWs (54 doctors and 28 nurses) were enrolled.The participants scored 22.28 ± 6.06 out of 35 (63.65%) in the pretraining knowledge assessment, with low scores in post-cardiac arrest care, advanced life support, and defibrillation.After the training, there was a significant rise in scores to 28.32 ± 4.08 out of 35 (80.9%) (p < 0.01).The retention of knowledge at 6 months was 68.87% (p < 0.01).The participants scored 92.61 ± 4.75% marks in skill assessment with lower scores in chest compressions and team leadership roles.There was a positive correlation (r = 0.35) between knowledge and skills scores (p < 0.01).Conclusion: There is a progressive decrease in baseline knowledge of HCWs with the further steps in the adult chain of survival.The simulation training program had a positive impact on the knowledge of HCWs.The training programs should focus on defibrillation, advanced life support, post-cardiac arrest care, and leadership roles.