Retention of knowledge of the paediatric life support guidelines

ABSTRACT

Paediatric Life Support [PLS] courses are thought to significantly increase knowledge of paediatric resuscitation for all professional groups. PLS and Newborn Life Support [NLS] guidelines were revised and updated in 2005. In a telephonic survey, the retention and awareness of the changes in PLS guidelines were evaluated among 100 junior paediatric doctors. Overall, second on-call doctors tended to score higher than the first on-call doctors [score 6.55 +/- 2.25 vs. 5.89 +/- 2.17 respectively, p = 0.062]. Doctors who attended PLS courses after 2005 tended to have higher scores. There is a need to streamline formalised regular updates [e.g. annual online written multiple choice questions] and in-house rehearsals using mock emergency scenarios at local, regional and national level