Basic life support training for intensive care unit nurses at a general hospital in Tabriz, Iran: a best practice implementation project

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives: Basic life support (BLS) is foundational to the care delivered to cardiac arrest victims. This study evaluated current practices and implemented best practices related to BLS training for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in a general hospital in Tabriz, Iran. Methods: This interventional before-after study was informed by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. An audit, feedback, and re-audit strategy was used to measure baseline compliance with best practices, develop an implementation strategy to address gaps in compliance, and undertake a final evaluation to measure changes in compliance. The JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (JBI PACES) and situational analysis Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool were used to support data collection and implementation planning. There were 13 evidence-based criteria and a sample of 9 ICU nurses. Results: The baseline audit revealed gaps between current practice and best practice in 9 of the 13 criteria. Barriers included insufficient education tools and programs, insufficient supervision, lack of skills laboratories, and a lack of continuous BLS education. Improvement strategies included providing a human stimulator manikin, developing an education program for nurses, as well as establishing a cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation department, a skills laboratory, and continuous BLS education based on the American Heart Association guidelines. The follow-up audit revealed improvement of 100% across all criteria. Conclusions: This project indicates that a clinical audit is effective for assessing evidence-based BLS education for ICU nurses, thereby improving resuscitation performance and patient outcomes. Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A213