Common pitfalls after Adult Basic Life Support training for healthcare providers

Abstract

Background: Adult basic life support (BLS) is an important procedure for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care in order to increase patients’ survival rate. So, all healthcare providers (HCP) must pass the BLS course. Although, this is an intensive training course, findings after completion of training showed that some HCP still practiced inappropriately.

Objective: To explore common pitfalls in Adult BLS training for HCP.

Methods: This study was descriptive design. We studied in HCP who attended adult BLS course at KKU - REACT simulation center, Faculty of medicine, Khon Kaen University. It is a 3 – hour course for knowledge and skills teaching in accordance with the current American Heart Association Guideline. Each instructor taught 8 students (2 BLS manikins); and after teaching, we evaluated a 3 - minute performance at the first examination. The data were recorded and analyzed.

Results: We included 194 students into the study. Only 117 students passed the examination on the first time (60.3% (95% CI 53.1, 67.2)). Common inappropriate practices, by frequency were chest compression, check for carotid pulse, ventilation, automated external defibrillator, and call for help, respectively.

Conclusion: We found that three most common inappropriate practices were the followings, chest compression, check for carotid pulse, and ventilation. Therefore the result of this study can be used to improve teaching and learning Adult BLS by emphasizing the pitfalls.