Clinical audit of veterinary professionals' cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skill and knowledge retention within a small animal hospital.

Introduction: The RECOVER guidelines (2012) on veterinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) suggest refresher training every 3-6 months. This audit was undertaken to see if this can impact veterinary professionals' psychomotor skills and knowledge retention. Since June 2022, within Hale Veterinary Group small animal hospital, a VetPartners practice in the UK, staff members' knowledge was audited using a multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) and their skills were assessed using a CPR training cube to monitor compression rate and recoil. Aims and objectives: To see over what time period psychomotor skills and knowledge of CPR are most commonly lost. Background: Aiming to improve the knowledge and psychomotor skill retention of veterinary professionals, as well as frequency of training. Following RECOVER guidelines (2012) suggestion of refresher training, looking at NHS training suggestions and audits, to improve knowledge and skill retention. Methods: To measure knowledge retention a MCQ was created, based on the RECOVER basic life support and advanced life support components. Looking at similar MCQs within human medicine, the decision was made to keep the MCQ anonymous but to categorise participants into job roles. To measure psychomotor skills a device (cprCUBE PRO) was bought by the practice to monitor compression rate and recoil abilities. Results: Results showed that veterinary surgeon and registered veterinary nurse knowledge and skill retention is best maintained with refresher training every 6 months to 1 year. Implementation of changes (team discussion & changes made): Training to be offered every 3 months, clinical staff to attend training every 6 months to 1 year. Re-audit: The initial training session was held over one day. Following the results of the audit, the subsequent September 2022 training session was held over two days in an attempt to improve attendance. This session was then audited. Application: Clinical staff must attend a training session within the year, new members of staff to attend the soonest possible training session. Other practices would benefit from having training and implementing frequent refresher training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]