Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training for Medical Students in Anesthesiology Rotation in Ardabil Medical University (Iran)

Background and purpose: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for undergraduate medical students has been noted to be poor in the past. Attempts have been made The aim of this study is to determine effect of CPR training in the anesthetic ward to improve knowledge and practice undergraduate medical student of CPR.Methods: A 12 month Educational experimental study with self control was done on all undergraduate medical student (n=30) at the medical university of Ardabil in 2006-2007. During I month of program allthis students have undergone CPR training including basic life support (BLS) , advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and practical skills. Data were collected via questionnaire, demographic, pre/post knowledge and practice.Results: After training the acceptable score (good and very good) about knowledge of BLS, ACLS and practical skill significantly increased %6.7 to %50 (p=0.0001) , %13.3 to %53.4 (p=0.001) and %3.3 to %100 (p=0.001) respectively. A significant relationship between knowledge of ACLS and practical skills was shown (p=0.005).Conclusion: The CPR training course in anesthetic ward leads to a significant increased in skills and knowledge. Adding this course to undergraduate curriculum of medical students especially in operaticallywards (e.g. Anesthetic ward) is essential.