Innovative cardiopulmonary resuscitation training strategy for primary care nurses which addressed pandemic limitations: feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Primary care nurses, dental nurses and support staff rarely attend cardiac arrest and lack crash-team support. International evidence indicates that retention of resuscitation knowledge and skills fades within the common 12-months re-training period. AIMS: (Primary) To develop and refine a new resuscitation training intervention, determining feasibility and acceptability of proposed study procedures and outcome measures. (Secondary) To determine whether useful data should result from the main study. METHOD: In a mixed-methods study, participants used a manikin and the Lifesaver app to determine skill level in resuscitation and defibrillation. Data was recorded from the Lifesaver and QCPR app, and from observation and questionnaires. Focused interviews provided narrative data. RESULTS: Sampling worked well. Robust data was harvested from each data collection activity. Learning for the full study included correcting ambiguity in one instrument and improving observation sheet layout. Debriefing and repeated practice will be specific features. Study modifications in response to the COVID-19 pandemic should guide essential training in similarly disruptive events. Procedures were feasible and acceptable, and maintenance of resuscitation skills was enhanced by three-monthly training. CONCLUSION: Proceeding to a full-scale, statistically-powered, randomized controlled trial to establish the impact of a novel resuscitation training strategy was indicated.