The effectiveness of basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support training on healthcare workers’ knowledge and confidence: a multicenter pre-post interventional study

The implementation of basic life support (BLS) training in healthcare settings is an important strategy for enhancing emergency response capabilities. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training program among different healthcare workers including physicians, nurses, and staff. It aims to analyze the pre- and post-training assessments, and to evaluate the participants’ self-reported confidence level in performing CPR and applying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), along with associated predictors. A curriculum for the National Capacity Building in Resuscitation training was developed in accordance with international guidelines and incorporated both theoretical and practical components. A total of 67 sessions including 55 BLS and 12 Advanced Cardiac Life Support were conducted over a period of 6 months in 16 community hospitals for 632 participants. Although practical skill demonstrations and simulated scenarios were part of the training program, only written assessment scores and self-reported confidence were analyzed in this study. Feedback was collected to gauge the participants’ satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with assessment scores and confidence levels in performing CPR and applying AED such as gender, position, and department. Knowledge scores improved significantly following training (adjusted mean of 8.52 and 12.66 respectively; p-value < 0.001). Higher self-reported confidence was associated with higher pre-training knowledge scores and, after accounting for trainer as a random effect, higher post-training knowledge scores, but smaller pre- to post-training improvements. Surgery department personnel showed greater knowledge gains despite reporting lower confidence. Physician position and previous CPR training were associated with greater confidence. This study highlights the importance of regular BLS training for healthcare workers. The findings support tailoring BLS training to the needs of different professional groups and clinical departments. Future longitudinal studies incorporating objective assessments of practical skills are needed to evaluate long-term skill retention and confidence.