Analysis of acquisition and retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills according to training frequency

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill acquisition and retention at 3 and 6-month intervals and determine the optimal training frequency and associated costs. METHODS: Fifth and sixth-year medical students practiced cardiopulmonary resuscitation using a feedback-equipped simulator. RESULTS: The study included 43 students. Training with a feedback-equipped device significantly improved the performance compared to baseline: overall performance (median=95% [87-98%] versus 60% [18-89%]; p<0.001), compression depth (median=71% [24-92%] versus 13% [0-94%]; p<0.001), and compression rate (median=89% [71-98%] versus 69% [23-96%]; p=0.002. No significant differences were observed in the total recoil (median=93% [78-99%] versus 93% [58-100%]; p=0.991) or hand position (median=99% [100-100%] versus 99% [100-100%]; p=0.754). Over time, the overall performance increased by 12% at 3 months (mean ratio [MR]=1.12; p=0.001) and 10.1% at 6 months (MR=1.101; p<0.001). The compression depth improved by 38.9% at 3 months (MR=1.389; p<0.001) and 24.7% at 6 months (MR=1.247; p=0.010), whereas the compression rate increased only at 6 months (MR=1.086; p=0.026). No significant differences were found between the groups trained every 3 months and those trained every 6 months (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term training with a cardiopulmonary resuscitation feedback-equipped simulator significantly improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill acquisition and retention. However, no differences were observed between the 3- and 6-month training intervals, suggesting that a 6-month interval may be sufficient for maintaining proficiency.