A Study of the Knowledge of Resuscitation among Interns

Abstract

Background: Cardiac arrests and accidents are the most common emergencies with grave consequences which can be managed efficiently by proper knowledge and practice of resuscitation skills. However structured resuscitation courses are lacking in medical curriculum. Many junior doctors are not competent in carrying out effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are not many studies to assess the knowledge of interns regarding resuscitation; hence this study was conducted to assess the resuscitation knowledge among interns. Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 3 medical college hospitals, using a questionnaire. The interns were requested to answer the questionnaire, comprising of 20 questions covering varied aspects of basic and advanced life support of child and adult. Statistical analysis was done by frequency, percentage, mean and mean percent. Results: 270 interns were included in the study. On an average 9.05 questions were rightly answered. Highest score of 16 achieved by 3 and lowest of 2 achieved by 2. Seven questions were rightly answered by more than 50%. All the participants in the study agreed that structured resuscitation training should be added in the curriculum. Conclusions: Interns have islands of scattered knowledge about resuscitation, which is not adequate. Introduction of structured resuscitation program in the undergraduate curriculum is needed and effort should be made to determine an appropriate and efficient course design

Keywords

• Resuscitation
• Knowledge
• Interns
• Questionnaire