Knowledge and practical performance gained by Iraqi residents after participation to a neonatal resuscitation program course

Aim:  neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) course is effective in improving knowledge in participants coming from developed as well as developing countries; however, its impact on practical performances has not been yet formally evaluated in participants coming from developing countries. We evaluate the knowledge and the performance on clinical simulations gained by Iraqi residents following participation in the NRP course.
Methods:  A 71-item questionnaire derived from the standard test contained in the American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatal Resuscitation Manual was administered to participants before and after the course. All participants were tested with a final Mega code (Mega code A scenario–NRP textbook) to evaluate their performance on clinical simulations.
Results:  Twenty-six obstetrical and 2 pediatric residents participated in the NRP course, respectively. The percentages of correct answers significantly improved from before (52 ± 14%) to immediately after the course (85 ± 7%); p < 0.001. Mean score obtained at the final Mega code was 68 ± 8%. Four out of 28 (14%) participants reached the minimum score required for passing the exam (80%).
Conclusion:  Residents coming from a developing country (Iraq) significantly improved their knowledge attainment following participation in the NRP course; however, their performance on clinical simulations was unsatisfactory, suggesting that this aspect needs to be improved.