A simulation-based continuing professional development course for the first 5 minutes of cardiac arrest in the resource-limited local clinics

Using simulation in continuing professional development (CPD) courses for local practitioners is uncommon in Korea. The aim of our study was to evaluate the responses of the local practitioners for a simulation-based short CPD course. Following the targeted needs assessment of local practitioners, we developed and implemented a 3-hour simulation-based CPD course for the first 5 minutes of cardiac arrest in the resource-limited local clinics. We evaluated the participant's responses to the course using a questionnaire. During the 3-year implementation period, 115 practitioners participated in 10 courses, and 113 (98%) responded to the questionnaire. The overall course satisfaction (10-point scale) was very positive (10 in 93 [82.3%], 9 in 19 [16.8%], and 8 in 1 [0.8%]). The level (5-point scale) of recommendation to the others was also high (5 in 103 [91.2%] and 4 in 10 [8.8%]). Many participants positively commented on the authentic practical experience of the uncommon crisis in their contexts. A simulation-based short CPD course for in-hospital cardiac arrest could provide an authentic practical experience for local practitioners working in resource-limited clinics.