Maintaining competency in advanced cardiac life support skills
J. K. Stross
One hundred thirty-two physicians who successfully completed advanced
cardiac life support (ACLS) training were randomly placed in a control
group or one of two groups receiving interventions designed to provide
reinforcement of previously mastered knowledge and skills. These
interventions included mailed periodic reprints (group 1) or quarterly
patient management problems (group 2). All physicians were retested for
knowledge and skills related to ACLS one year later. Fifty-two (39.4%)
could successfully ventilate the mannequin, and 62 (47.0%) could perform
cardiac compression adequately. No differences were noted among groups.
Significant differences in knowledge were found. The control group
initiated appropriate therapy in a mock-arrest situation 52% of the time,
while group 1 averaged 75% and group 2 averaged 82%. These results indicate
that reinforcement after continuing medical education may enhance knowledge
retention, but does not maintain motor skills. Yearly recertification in
ACLS skills should be considered, and frequent practice sessions should be
encouraged for those physicians who are not active participants in ACLS
activities.
