Evaluation of knowledge on basic and advanced life support among resident physicians at the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine

Evaluation of Knowledge on Basic and Advanced Life Support Among Resident Physicians at The Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the CPR knowledge level of resident physicians based on current guidelines and to identify factors influencing knowledge on basic and advanced life support. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 155 resident physicians were included. Data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, clinical experience, CPR team leadership expreience, adherence to CPR guidelines, and anxiety levels were collected via a structured questionnaire. CPR knowledge was assessed using an internationally standardized test, with a score of ≥80% considered successful. Results: Overall, 52.3% of participants passed the test. Residents in medical specialties demonstrated significantly higher success rates than those in surgical specialties (67.6% vs. 22.6%; p<0.001). Senior residents achieved higher scores compared to junior residents (p=0.041). Participants who regularly followed current guidelines had a significantly higher success rate (86.7%) than those who did not (p<0.001). Prior CPR team leadership experience was associated with significantly higher overall and subtest scores compared to participants without such experience. Participants who reported anxiety during CPR had lower success rates, and a significant association between anxiety and knowledge level was observed (p=0.039). Prior emergency department experience or attendance in certified CPR courses did not significantly affect test performance. Conclusion=The CPR knowledge level of resident physicians was generally below the desired standard. The strongest factors associated with higher knowledge levels were guideline adherence, training on a medical specialty, and CPR team leadership experience. Anxiety was related to knowledge deficits and should be addressed in educational strategies. These findings highlight the importance of continuously updated educational content, simulation-based training, and repeated leadership experiences in CPR education. Keywords: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, medical resident, knowledge level, team leadership, anxiety