Does an 8-hour, 3 session CPR training course improve skill and cognitive retention compared to a 4-hour single session course in CPR trainees?
While a longer CPR course improves retention compared to a shorter course, both fail to maintain skills at certification levels after one year, highlighting the need for improved training components.
CPR trainees who completed 8-hour, 3 session and 4-hour single session courses were studied for skill and cognitive retention one year after certification. Knowledge and performance scores were significantly higher for trainees from the long course, but performance skills for both groups were below certification level when compared to American Heart Association standards. The findings suggest the need for further evaluation of course components which could improve retention levels for all trainees.
Gombeski et al. (Sun,) studied this question.