Variability of CPR training requirements among New Zealand health professionals

AIM: To audit cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and certification requirements of registered healthcare professionals in New Zealand. METHOD: An enquiry-based policy audit of all regulatory bodies under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act 2003), and vocational medical training and recertification providers accredited by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). RESULTS: All the organisations approached (n=37) responded to the audit. Six of the 17 health professional regulatory bodies have some form of mandatory CPR certification requirement for initial registration, ongoing registration, or continuing professional development. The Midwifery Council, Dentistry Council, Podiatrists Board, and Pharmacy Council have the most comprehensive requirements. Twelve of the 20 vocational medical colleges specify some form of CPR training. The Royal New Zealand College of Urgent Care is the only one to require annual recertification. CONCLUSION: This audit revealed a wide variety of CPR training and certification requirements across health professions in New Zealand. Future studies should investigate whether mandating CPR training improves outcomes from cardiac arrest and consider patient, public, and whanau expectations regarding the ongoing certification of healthcare professionals in resuscitation and emergency care.