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| Author | Alexandra Vassallo |
| Abstract | The aim of this exploratory study was to find out perceptions of nurses about basic life support training. The sample consisted of 30 nurses working at the A&E department who did a basic life support course. From this sample a response rate of 76% was achieved. Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire, which was designed for this study and piloted on a sample of three nurses. Seven major factors emerged from the findings: rating of basic life support skills and confidence, refreshing of basic life support skills and knowledge, compulsory basic life support training, formal and informal courses, training affecting performance, factors that hinder nurses from attending basic life support training and further training supportive to basic life support as well as training to a higher level of life support. Findings revealed that most participants rated their basic life support skills as being very good and the majority stated that they feel confident during a cardiac arrest situation Moreover, most participants maintained refreshing their basic life support skills as it was found to be useful for retention of skills they have learnt in their initial basic life support course. All nurses highlighted the importance of compulsory basic life support training to all nursing staff, where few respondents also stated that it should be compulsory to all staff working in hospital. Moreover a high number of respondents argued that basic life support training should be formal and supported by informal sessions. Another important factor identified in the study was that in a way or another, training might affect or influence performance during an actual cardiac arrest situation. However, several factors which hinder nurses from attending to such training were highlighted. Most nurses argued that further training in skills supportive to basic life support could be useful for nurses as it will help in improving success rates, while a relatively high number of respondents also argued that a higher level of life support than basic life support (such as intermediate or advanced life support) is necessary. |
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| Key words | Basic Life Support Training, Nurses, Perception, Thesis |