Advanced Cardiac Life Support Simulation for Nurse Anesthetists and Student Nurse Anesthetists

Background: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and emergency resuscitation is a critical role for anesthesia providers. The application of a clinical ACLS simulation to a patient under anesthesia is important to provide educational review and determine if the knowledge and skill of managing emergency events deteriorates over time. Method: A surgical ACLS simulation training session was completed to test ACLS knowledge retention and provider skill. High-fidelity simulation was used with a pre-test and post-test design. Results: The data obtained demonstrated several knowledge gaps in ACLS fundamentals. Conclusions: The simulation demonstrated that key concepts and skills deteriorate when not utilized regularly. Simulation in nurse anesthesia continuing education can improve clinical skill and adequately prepare providers for emergency resuscitation. (C) 2020 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that there were significant knowledge gaps in ACLS fundamentals when applied by anesthesia providers, and that these key concepts and skills deteriorate over time. Simulation training in nurse anesthesia continuing education can enhance clinical skills and ensure providers are well-prepared for emergency resuscitation.