Knowledge and Performance of Basic Life Support among Primary Health Care Professionals: An Integrative Review
Iasser AYOUB, Bárbara BUENO, Felipe PANAINO, Márcio DE MELO and Naila DE OLIVEIRA
Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally, including in Brazil, necessitating rapid and effective interventions such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Basic life support (BLS) is crucial for increasing survival rates in cardiorespiratory arrest cases, especially when applied early. Given Primary Health Care's (PHC) role as the health system's gateway, understanding PHC professionals' BLS preparedness is critical.This integrative literature review utilized the Virtual Health Library (BVS), EBSCO, Google Scholar, and PubMed platforms, considering publications from 2014 to 2024. The review included 15 relevant studies.This review uniquely focuses on PHC professionals' knowledge and performance in BLS, an area not extensively explored in previous literature reviews.The review revealed significant gaps in PHC professionals' BLS preparation. Findings include: 13.33% of studies dealt with BLS simulation scenarios for PHC professionals; 53.33% assessed these professionals' knowledge levels; 13.33% highlighted training and qualification needs; 13.33% discussed lack of organization and adequate materials at PHC units; and 6.66% pointed out professionals' insecurity as a limiting factor. These findings underscore the need for regular training and practical updates to improve healthcare quality and reduce complications from late or inadequate interventions.Results indicate a clear need for improvement in PHC professionals' BLS knowledge and skills. The high percentage of studies assessing knowledge levels suggests recognition of this issue in the field. The identified lack of organization, adequate materials, and professional insecurity further compounds the problem.This review highlights significant gaps in PHC professionals' BLS preparation. To address these shortcomings, it is essential to offer regular training and practical updates. Such initiatives would enhance healthcare quality and contribute to reducing complications from delayed or inadequate interventions in emergency situations. Investing in continuous education is crucial to ensure more effective and safe care in cardiovascular emergencies within primary health care settings.
