Life support courses for non-traumatic emergencies in a tertiary hospital: the experience of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo

Abstract

Background: Medical errors and medical teaching methods limitations are leading the society to ask for changes, like the implementation of newer methods such as simulation. Nevertheless, the impact of these newer methods are still controversial. The Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) was implemented in Brazil 15 years ago and utilize problem based learning and simulation techniques to teach cardiovascular emergencies. In Ribeirão Preto, the Trainning Center of the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto-USP provides these courses for up to 9 years in a roll, documenting the students profile and their cognitive and ability performance. Methods: Data from the approximately 3650 professionals that undertook the course provided by the Trainning Center from 2000 to 2006 will be inserted in an Microsoft Access database specifically developed. Demographic, professional and methodologic factors that could have impact on the students’ performance will be identified. Fisher exact test or Qui-square test will be applied for cathegorical variables and Student t-test or ANOVA will be implemented for continuous variables as aplicable. Multiple linear or logistic regression will be applied as applicable for multiple comparison. P less than 0.05 will be considered statistical significant. Implications: To identify and to measure variables that could predict the students performance in the ACLS course evaluations will help to improve the method.