The retention of cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills

Abstract

This study investigated the retention of single-rescuer CPR skills by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse faculty and staff and student volunteers of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit of the 1982-1983 La Crosse Exercise Program. The Ss were N=36 (Female N=28, Male N=8). The investigation utilized the Laerdal Recording Resusci-Anne manikin. The strip-chart recording tape generated in the testing procedure was analyzed according to a 57-item performance evaluation form designed according to the AHA recording tape standards. Ss in the study were randomly assigned to 3 groups. Group I members (N=10) performed single-rescuer CPR skills one time per month for a total of 7 trials. Group II members (N=13) performed single-rescuer CPR skills once every third month for a total of 3 times. Group III members (N=13) performed single-rescuer CPR skills only on the initial and follow-up testing periods. The initial and follow-up performance scores were analyzed by a two way ANOVA design with repeated measures. The knowledge scores, both initial and follow-up, were also analyzed by a two way ANOVA design with repeated measures. A Chi Square procedure was used to analyze specific areas of retention. Results of the analysis of performance scores revealed: (1) no significant difference existed between the three groups' initial and follow-up scores combined; (2) a significant decline occurred from initial to follow-up testing for all groups and (3) there was not a significant interaction among the groups and scores. The analysis of initial and follow-up knowledge scores revealed: (1) no significant difference existed between the three groups' knowledge retention when scores were combined; (2) no significant decrease occurred in knowledge of CPR from initial to follow-up testing and (3) a significant interaction was obtained for groups and scores from initial to follow-up testing. A Scheffe post hoc comparison revealed that a significant difference existed between Group I's pretest knowledge scores and Group III's posttest knowledge scores. A Chi Square procedure revealed no significant difference existed between groups for the specific categories of CPR performance.