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Ghana Heart Initiative Training for Cardiac Arrest Management Among Health Care Professionals: Outcomes Evaluation
Alfred Doku1,2, Lawrence Sena Tuglo3, Chiedozie Osuoji4
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
JMIR Formative Research
|December 31, 2025
Summary
Health care professionals in Ghana demonstrate adequate knowledge and skills in basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) after training. The Ghana Heart Initiative effectively enhances these crucial emergency response competencies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Emergency Medicine
- Medical Education and Training
Background:
- Healthcare professionals require up-to-date knowledge of basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) for effective cardiac emergency management.
- The Ghana Heart Initiative, established in 2018, has been instrumental in improving healthcare professionals' skills in managing cardiovascular diseases and emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immediate post-training knowledge and skills in BLS and ACLS among healthcare professionals in Ghana.
- Assess the impact of the Ghana Heart Initiative on emergency cardiovascular care competencies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 541 BLS and 302 ACLS-trained participants.
- 229 BLS and 124 ACLS participants completed post-training questionnaires and skills evaluations.
- Assessments followed 2018/2020 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care.
Main Results:
- 74.6% of BLS-trained professionals achieved adequate knowledge and skills.
- 73.3% of ACLS-trained professionals achieved adequate knowledge and skills.
- Factors influencing BLS/ACLS competency included facility type, region, and gender.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals in Ghana can achieve adequate BLS and ACLS knowledge and skills with proper training and practice opportunities.
- The Ghana Heart Initiative plays a vital role in enhancing emergency cardiovascular care capabilities.
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