Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation among anesthesiology residents in Spain: results of a national survey.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a core competency in anesthesiology residency training. In Spain, updated data on how this training is structured and the involvement of anesthesiology departments in in-hospital CPR has been lacking. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of CPR training provided to anesthesiology residents in teaching hospitals, assess whether the training is accredited and by whom, and analyze the role of anesthesiology departments in hospital resuscitation teams.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study based on an online survey distributed in March 2025 to instructors accredited by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and, in their absence, to department heads or tutors from the 125 teaching hospitals with Anesthesiology residents in Spain. The survey included 25 items covering demographic data, training, clinical involvement, and technological resources.

RESULTS

A total of 123 hospitals responded (98.4%). In 108 of them (87.8%), residents received advanced life support training, and 50 centers (40.7%) offered ERC-accredited programs. Training showed heterogeneity in terms of format, accreditation, and timing. In 60 hospitals (48.8%), anesthesiologists were active members of in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation teams. The availability of mechanical chest compression devices and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems was 50.4% and 44.7%, respectively, with regional variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most teaching hospitals provide CPR training, significant disparities exist in accreditation, clinical exposure, and resource availability. Greater standardization is required through accredited, continuous programs incorporating simulation and structured debriefing. Strengthening the role of anesthesiology departments in hospital resuscitation could enhance resident preparedness and ultimately improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.