Vernon Curran (Memorial University); Lisa Fleet (Memorial University)

Purpose

To explore the perceptions and attitudes of certified resuscitation providers towards the retention of resuscitation skills, regular skills updating, and methods for enhancing retention.

Methods

A mixed-methods, explanatory study design including: literature review; focus groups; and an online survey-questionnaire with various health professionals from rural and urban facilities.

Results

Key factors influencing deterioration of skills included lack of real experience and practice. Rural providers reported less experience with real codes and lower abilities across a variety of resuscitation areas. Mock codes, practice with an instructor and other health professionals as a team, self-practice with a manikin, and e-learning were popular methods identified for updating skills. Aspects of team performance were felt to influence resuscitation performance. Confidence in resuscitation abilities was reported to be greatest after one had recently practiced, participated in an update or after an effective debriefing session. Lowest confidence was reported when team members did not work well together, there was no clear leader of the resuscitation code, or if members of the team did not communicate.

Conclusions

The study findings highlight the importance of access to update methods for improving confidence and abilities of providers and the need for emphasis on teamwork training in resuscitation.

Synopsis

Health providers’ resuscitation skills retention, or lack thereof, is a significant patient safety issue. This study explores some of the issues in this area and highlights the importance of access to adequate training for improving providers’ confidence, knowledge, and skills.

Funding Source

Medical Research Foundation, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University