Knowledge and skill of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation among nurses and physicians at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College

Abstract

Background : Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure for patients in cardiac arrest. The knowledge and skills of health professionals affect the quality of CPR and patient outcomes. This study assessed CPR knowledge and skill of pediatric healthcare providers in a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa. 

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted from February 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire based on the American Heart Association (AHA) guideline. CPR skills were assessed using American Heart Association-CPR (AHA-CPR) checklist, with the participant performing CPR on a high-fidelity manikin. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.  

Results: Among 202 pediatric healthcare providers, a final sample of 190 was included. Age ranges from 22-40 years with a median of 27 (IQR 25-28). Participants were 91 (47.9%) nurses, 34 (17.9%) interns, 63(33.1%) pediatric residents, and two pediatricians (1.1%). The mean knowledge score was 38.51% (SD=14.68), and median of 35.29% (IQR 29.41-47.06), with no participant scoring above 84%. Nurses had lowest score on knowledge questions. The mean skill score was 22.01% (SD=14.25) with the highest score by pediatricians and lowest by nurses. Working in the PICU was also associated with better CPR skills while NICU staffs have the lowest.

 Conclusion: The knowledge and skill of pediatric CPR among health professionals working at our hospital is very poor. Basic and Advanced Life Support training and the performance of pediatric providers should be emphasized and improved.