Long-Term Retention of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Knowledge and Confidence in Doctor of Pharmacy Students

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of American Heart Association (AHA) advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) education and training on long-term retention of ACLS knowledge and confidence in Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students.

This multicenter study included PharmD students who received ACLS training through different means: 1-hour didactic lecture (didactic), 1-hour didactic lecture with 2-hour skills practice (didactic + skills), and comprehensive AHA ACLS certification through an elective course (elective-certification). Students completed a survey before training, immediately after training, and at least 6-12 months after training to assess demographics and ACLS confidence and knowledge. The primary outcome was a passing score, defined as ≥ 84% on the long-term knowledge assessment. Secondary outcomes included overall knowledge score and perceived confidence, assessed using the Dreyfus model.

The long-term assessment was completed by 160 students in the didactic group, 66 in the didactic + skills group, and 62 in the elective-certification group. Six (4%), 8 (12%), and 14 (23%) received a passing score on the long-term knowledge assessment in the didactic, didactic + skills, and elective-certification groups, respectively. The median (IQR) scores on the long-term knowledge assessment were 50% (40-60), 60% (50-70), and 65% (40-80) in the 3 groups. On the long-term assessment, confidence was higher in the elective-certification group, demonstrated by more self-ratings of competent, proficient, and expert, and fewer self-ratings of novice and advanced beginner.

Long-term retention of ACLS knowledge was low in all groups, but was higher in students who received AHA ACLS certification through an ACLS elective course.