P20 Undergraduate medical student 'on the spot' cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulation training. (31st December 2017) - Gokhale, O
Abstract : Background and Purpose: Average survival for in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation is approximately 10%. 1 Arrest calls are typically high pressured and stressful scenarios, requiring several multidisciplinary professionals to perform as a cohesive team, whilst demanding infrequently utilised knowledge and skills. The American Heart Association recommends chest compressions are commenced within one minute, and defibrillation if indicated, within three minutes of cardiac arrest recognition. Each minute of delay increases the risk of death. 2, 3 Therefore clinical staff should be confident in both the recognition of cardiopulmonary arrest, and its immediate management. However, many junior doctors do not feel confident in their ability to adequately perform during a cardiac arrest. 4 We delivered a cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulation training course at the Swindon Academy (University of Bristol) to address this issue. Methodology: 27 fifth year medical students undertook 'on the spot' cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulation in March 2017. Data was collected using pre and post session tests which explored knowledge on the key components of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (maximum score 20). This was analysed using paired t-test and descriptive statistics. Students were also asked to rate the session overall and non-technical skills confidence post scenario and the session overall using a ten point semantic differential scale. Results 100% of students felt their confidence and ability to participate in cardiac arrests improved post session, and rated the course 8.7 out of 10. Test results revealed a statistically significant improvement post scenario (p<0.00001). Gains in non-technical skills, teamwork, communication, and situational awareness were rated by students as 96%, 89% and 96% respectively. Students also commented: 'it was really helpful', 'liked the surprise', 'good to be thrown into it', and 'would appreciate more sessions like this'. Conclusion: Simulation provides students with a realistic yet safe environment in which to practice the technical and non-technical skills necessary for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Students demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in test results post scenario and rated the session as extremely worthwhile. Furthermore, students feel more confident and able to participate in subsequent real arrest calls, which may positively impact on patient safety in future clinical practice. This demonstrates a requirement for the cardiopulmonary resuscitation simulation course to be incorporated into the fifth year undergraduate medical curriculum and also trialled within additional years. References: . Dichtwald S, Matot I, Einav S. Improving the outcome of in-hospital cardiac arrest: the importance of being EARNEST. Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2009;13:19–30. . Ali B, Zafari AM. Narrative review: cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care: review of the current guidelines. Ann Intern Med 2007;147(3):171–179. . Zed PJ, Abu-Laban RB, Shuster M, Green RS, Slavik RS, Travers AH. Update on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care guidelines. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2008;65(24):2337–2346. . Morgan R, Westmoreland C. Survey of junior hospital doctors' attitudes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Postgraduate Medical Journal 2002;78(921):413–415.