A change of heart: a mixed methods study reviewing an educational intervention in an Intensive Care Unit

The introduction of a cardiac surgery advanced life support (CALS) protocol in an intensive care unit requires staff to rethink the way in which patients recovering from cardiac surgery are resuscitated in a cardiac arrest. A descriptive, mixed methods research approach was used. The findings highlight that an education intervention can increase immediate staff knowledge and confidence post education, however knowledge and confidence degrades over time. Therefore a regular training program is required; as clinicians continue to strive to improve patient outcomes through the introduction of innovative clinical practice techniques.