Continuing education for healthcare professionals: in situ simulation of cardiac arrest in primary care*

Abstract The article aims to explore the experiences of primary care health professionals in participating in situ simulation as a strategy for continuing education in the care of individuals in cardiopulmonary arrest situations. This is a retrospective and documentary study with a qualitative approach, conducted with primary care health professionals from two Municipal Health Centers located in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil. A questionnaire comprising four open-ended questions was administered at the conclusion of six university extension courses, which were developed between July and September 2023. Thematic-categorical content analysis was utilised to structure the data. The results of the research project are presented in the following section. The study involved the administration of questionnaires to 74 health professionals, which enabled the construction of two categories: “Cardiopulmonary resuscitation course using in situ simulation” and “In situ simulation as a continuing education strategy.” Satisfaction with participating in the in situ simulation was identified, as was the motivation to learn more about the subject and the importance of using an active methodology in continuing education, as well as the potential for team education in the workplace. We observed the power of in situ simulation as a strategy for continuing health education for professionals working in primary care, specifically focusing on cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults. The participants’ experience demonstrated the efficacy of a teaching method based on active methodology in fostering their participation and motivating them to learn from the experience of in situ simulation.