Changes in paediatric resuscitation knowledge among doctors

Aims-To investigate whether paediatricians have improved their resuscitatio n knowledge since 1992, and whether those who have attended a paediatric re suscitation course have greater knowledge than those who have not. Methods-Telephone survey of 94 resident paediatricians admitting emergency cases. Questions on clinical scenarios were asked and adherence to internat ionally agreed guidelines in answering was determined. Results-There were significantly more correct answers to 9/10 questions in 1999 compared to 1992. The 1999 doctors who had attended a course scored si gnificantly better in 3/10 questions and achieved a higher total score (5.4 3 versus 4.55). Conclusions-Knowledge has improved since 1992; this has been over the perio d in which paediatric resuscitation courses were introduced. In 1999 those who had been on a course were more knowledgeable than those who had not,