Assessment of nursing staff's theoretical knowledge of cardiovascular resuscitation in an NHS public hospital.

INTRODUCTION The effective provision of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases patient survival and reduces in-hospital mortality. Nursing staff, as front-line healthcare professionals, are often the first present at cardiovascular arrests and respond by providing CPR. Their training has an impact on the efficiency of CPR and consequently on health outcomes; thus, assessment of their status in that respect may provide useful information for decision making. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken in an NHS hospital in Greece to assess the theoretical knowledge of nurses and assistant nurses in relation to CPR. The study population surveyed consisted of nurses and assistant nurses of a specific public hospital. RESULTS The study revealed that nursing staff had poor theoretical knowledge, with a mean score for correct answers in the written test of 50.6 ± 25.9% and a mean 4.1 ± 2 correct answers. Fifty-three percent of participants reported taking part in a refresher course after attending a first course, while only 13.2% had participated in a relevant training program during the last 6 months prior to the study. Registered nurses who possessed a university (p=0.016) or a technological institution (p<0.001) diploma, achieved 36.1% and 20.9% higher mean scores, respectively, in the written test in comparison to assistant nurses. The vast majority (91.9%) of the participants expressed their willingness to participate in CPR training courses. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial for nursing staff to participate in CPR courses in order to refresh and update their theoretical knowledge and performance skills and consequently to improve the safety and effectiveness of care.