Review of resuscitation training amongst consultants and middle grade paediatricians

SummaryAimsTo review the resuscitation training of senior and middle grade paediatricians.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to all paediatricians above the level of senior house officer in the Eastern Region of the UK to determine: (1) completion of basic life support (BLS) training in the previous year; (2) previous attendance at a paediatric/neonatal advanced life support course; (3) resuscitation provider accreditation; (4) instructor status.ResultsReplies were received from 153 out of 160 paediatricians. During the study period 48% 95% CI (36% and 60%) of general hospital consultants (GC), 40% (21% and 61%) of community consultants (CC), 75% (59% and 87%) of specialist registrars (SpRs) and 53% (28% and 77%) of non-consultant grade doctors (T/SG) had received BLS training. 86% (76% and 93%) GC, 24% (9% and 45%) CC, 100% (91% and 100%) SpRs and 82% (57% and 96%) of T/SG had previously attended an advanced life support (ALS) course. Accredited provider skills were maintained by 54% (41% and 65%) GC, 12% (3% and 31%) CC, 83% (67% and 93%) SpRs and 53% (28% and 77%) of T/SG. Only 28% GC, 4% CC, 20% SpRs and 6% T/SG were instructors on any of the advanced courses.ConclusionsMost paediatricians have attended an ALS courses at some point during their training. Consultants are poor at maintaining/re-certifying their advanced resuscitation skills. Few paediatric consultants and residents instruct on ALS courses.