Occupational first aid training: Decay in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills

Abstract

One hundred and twenty four occupational first aiders were tested on their ability to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at varying times following training (up to three years). Expert assessment of printouts from a Recording Resusci‐Anne manikin indicated that only 12 per cent of those tested would be capable of carrying out effective CPR. Measures derived from the same printouts showed that there was a rapid and linear decay in CPR skills over time with fewer than 20 per cent of subjects achieving a score of 75 per cent on performance after only six months had elapsed since training. Variables such as age, sex, height, weight and practice on a manikin were not found to influence performance. Despite certain drawbacks in the design of the study it is clear that retraining in CPR skills should be more frequent than the three years recommended by present industrial first aid legislation.

Effectiveness of the BBC's 999 training roadshows on cardiopulmonary resuscitation: video performance of cohort of unforewarned participants at home six months afterwards

“…Several comparative studies have shown the time since training to be closely associated with a decrease in proficiency 5 18. As reported by others, this study indicates that some form of regular retraining is required to maintain adequate skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, although those willing to attend retraining courses may be more motivated than those who do not, such motivation possibly affecting initial learning or retention 8 19…”

Evaluation of a Professional Development Model for Enhancing Knowledge, Skill and Confidence in Dysphagia Management

“…It has been reported in prior research that skills can rapidly decline from as early as two weeks post-training (Berden et al 1993;McKenna & Glendon 1985). Hence the results observed in the current group would suggest that the learning strategies implemented in the training workshop facilitated deeper learning, rather than superficial short term learning.…”

Impact of essential surgical skills with an emphasis on emergency maternal, neonatal and child health training on the practice of doctors: A cluster randomised controlled trial in Pakistan

“…Some studies have reported that the duration of emergency management skills deteriorated to pretraining levels after one year. [22][23][24][25] In conclusion, our study suggests that 5-day training of ESS-EMNCH significantly improves the compliance with the structured process of doctors during their management of life threatening emergency episodes in the public sector hospitals in Pakistan. In this current study we evaluated the impact of ESS-EMNCH training on the practices of doctors, however, it might be better to try and examine the impact of this training on maternal, neonatal and childhood mortality.…”