The American Heart Association in their 2015 guidelines again notes that retention of life saving CPR skills and knowledge is a significant problem for both lay rescuers and healthcare providers. Retention of CPR (both BLS and ACLS) skills over time has long been known to suffer.
For example, Ackerman (2009) noted that knowledge retention of key aspects of high quality CPR decreased significantly within 3 months in both a standardized CPR trained group, and one trained using high fidelity simulation.
Burkhardt, Glick, and Terndrup (2014) performed a study showing that CPR knowledge retention significantly improved performance skills. Therefore knowledge retention equals skills retention. The conclusion is that more consistent reinforcement may help, as generally, even experienced providers performed sub-optimal CPR.
In a similar study by Montgomery, Kardong-Edgren, et al, (2012), students were randomized into Heartcode BLS groups and instructor led groups. Students were more satisfied with the instructor led groups, but ultimately, the students that felt most confident in CPR skills were those with monthly refreshers.
A significant amount of research has gone into identifying the type of training which may lead to more knowledge and skills retention- instructor led, versus voice activated manikins, high or low fidelity simulation, but there is a growing body of research that suggests perhaps the more important component of skills retention is not how a student is trained, but how OFTEN.
Traditional AHA CPR certification requires re-training every 2 years, but with multiple studies(Ackerman, etc.) showing significant reduction in skills mastery and knowledge retention within 3 months, research has taken on the question of how to maintain those skills several months out from a required 2 year CPR refresher.
Sutton et al (2011) showed that brief, frequent (monthly) skills re-training sessions significantly boosted CPR quality in skills sessions. Instructor led re- training was better than automated feedback training alone.
Sullivan (2015) after a review of a large number of CPR retention articles, ultimately found that all types of learning were generally effective at providing initial skills. Studies showed the largest retention of skills when provided brief, frequent refreshers. Either high or low fidelity simulation sessions, followed by debrief and repeat practice aid in knowledge and skills retention over time.
Perhaps it is time to re-think traditional 2 year CPR training, and provide the opportunity for staff to practice regularly on their unit by participating in mock codes, or even using a voice assisted manikin during breaks in patient care.
Learn, Enjoy and Save Life. HealthForce Training Center offer services such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advance Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS),