Utilization of advanced resuscitation skills among doctors and nurses in Uganda

Sudden cardiac arrest remains a major global health challenge, contributing to approximately 3.7 million deaths annually. In Uganda, in-hospital cardiac arrest incidence stands at 2.3%, with only 7.4% achieving return of spontaneous circulation. Since the formal introduction of advanced resuscitation training in 2019, over 840 Ugandan healthcare professionals had been trained. However, no structured assessment has been conducted to evaluate the real-world utilization of the acquired knowledge and skills or to identify influencing factors. This study provides evidence to improve utilization shortfalls for better patient outcomes following cardiac arrest. To determine the level and factors affecting the utilization of advanced resuscitation knowledge and skills among doctors and nurses in Uganda. A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted among 413 doctors and nurses who had received advanced resuscitation training between 2020 and 2023. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by trained research assistants. A generalized linear model with robust standard errors was used to identify factors associated with utilization. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Variables with p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Among 413 doctors and nurses analysed, 70.5% reported frequent use of knowledge concepts and skills. Frequent use was 15% less common among males compared to females. Frequent use was highest (85.4%) among specialist doctors followed by medical officers (71.7%) and nurses (66.5%). Clinicians in higher level facilities reported frequent use more often (77.2%) compared to those employed in lower-level units (66.3%). Most ICU health workers (92.2%) reported frequent use while less than half of those in outpatient departments (45.6%) reported frequent use. While approximately 70% of clinicians reported frequent use of advanced resuscitation skills, utilization varied significantly across gender, professional cadres, facility levels, and clinical departments. These differences likely reflect variation in clinical exposure, role expectations, and resource availability rather than differential competency. Enhancing consistent utilization of advanced resuscitation skills requires strengthened reinforcement across health systems, supported by improved access to resuscitation equipment and supplies.