Martínez-Natera OC, Sánchez-Mendiola M

Language: Spanish
References: 17
Page: 161-170
PDF size: 170.33 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction. The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course has spread internationally, but there is a lack of research on its effectiveness. The objective of this study was to assess the immediate and medium-term (6 months) effects of a PALS course on skills and knowledge of senior medical students.
Materials and methods. One group pretest-posttest study design. The study was performed in 46 of the 56 eligible sixth-year medical students from the Mexican Army Medical School. Six months later, 27 out of 46 former students were assessed again. The educational intervention was the American Heart Association PALS course. PALS knowledge was measured according to a multiple-choice question test before and after the course, as well as 6 months later. Psychomotor skills (bag-valve-mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, intraosseous infusion and Seldinger technique venous access) were assessed with a performance checklist.
Results. There was a significant increase in knowledge score after the course (7.13 ± 1.16 before vs 8.66 ± 0.84 after, P ‹0.001), as well as a significant decrease 6 months later (4.7 ± 1.99, P ‹0.05). There was a significant increase in the 4 skills evaluated immediately after the course (P ‹0.001), which were maintained 6 months later.
Conclusions. The PALS course increased knowledge and psychomotor skills in medical students immediately after training. Six months later, there was a significant decrease in knowledge, but psychomotor skills were maintained.

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