Effects of a Simulation-Based CPR Training Program on Knowledge, Performance, and Stress in Clinical Nurses

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by clinical nurses is critical for improving survival rates in hospitalized cardiac arrest patients.
• Timely and accurate CPR administration directly impacts patient outcomes in critical care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a simulation-based CPR training program on clinical nurses' knowledge, performance, and stress levels.
• To determine the efficacy of simulation training in enhancing essential resuscitation skills among nursing staff.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design involving 60 clinical nurses in Seoul, South Korea.
• Implementation of a 4-hour simulation-based CPR training program for the experimental group.
• Assessment of CPR knowledge and performance using validated scales, alongside the Post Code Stress Scale.

Main Results:

• The simulation-based CPR training program led to statistically significant improvements in nurses' CPR knowledge (p < .001).
• Participants demonstrated significantly enhanced CPR performance following the simulation training (p < .001).
• The training program effectively reduced perceived stress associated with performing CPR in clinical nurses (p < .001).

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based CPR training is an effective strategy for enhancing clinical nurses' knowledge and performance.
• This training modality also plays a crucial role in mitigating the psychological stress experienced by nurses during CPR.
• Implementing such programs can lead to better preparedness and improved patient outcomes in emergency situations.