The effect of CPR educational package on knowledge and performance of nurses working in intensive care units: A review study

Because nurses are present at the bedside of patients with cardiopulmonary arrest at the earliest opportunity, they should be sufficiently skilled in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Since 1980s, several studies have been performed on the skill of CPR. These studies showed the effect of the presence of trained people on the outcome of resuscitation, so the results of one of these studies indicated that the presence of a more skilled person can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of resuscitation. Researchers believe that each training leads to learning, but the depth and stability of learning are different in various teaching methods. Recent Studies have examined the effectiveness of various educational programs in creating sustainable learning. One of the most common methods for teaching CPR is the workshop method, which has been used in nursing since 1941. Considering the importance of the subject and the need to study the effect of training courses on the level of knowledge and CPR performance of health care professionals, especially nurses, the present study aimed to review the effect of training package on knowledge and CPR performance of nurses working in intensive care units (ICU). A review of the literature showed that the level of knowledge and performance of nurses about CPR increased significantly after training compared to before training. However, most nurses perform CPR based on old protocols, it is necessary to express these changes during retraining courses. In addition, due to the decrease in the level of knowledge and skills, it is necessary to repeat these courses overtime. Keywords: CPR educational package; intensive care units; resuscitation