Retention of knowledge of the Paediatric Life Support guidelines.

ABSTRACT

Paediatric Life Support (PLS) courses are thought to significantly increase knowledge of paediatric resuscitation for all professional groups. PLS and Newborn Life Support (NLS) guidelines were revised and updated in 2005. In a telephonic survey, the retention and awareness of the changes in PLS guidelines were evaluated among 100 junior paediatric doctors. Overall, second on-call doctors tended to score higher than the first on-call doctors (score 6.55 ± 2.25 vs. 5.89 ± 2.17 respectively, p = 0.062). Doctors who attended PLS courses after 2005 tended to have higher scores. There is a need to streamline formalised regular updates (e.g. annual online written multiple choice questions) and in-house rehearsals using mock emergency scenarios at local, regional and national level.