Evaluating the Effectiveness of CPR Training Programs for Nursing Staff Using Kirkpatrick’s Model: An Experimental Study in Al-Rusafa Sector Hospitals, Baghdad

Amer Jabar Al-Darraji; Shaghayegh Vahdat; Mortaza Qhasemi; Tayebeh Layeghi qalesoukhte

Authors

Amer Jabar Al-Darraji Department of Health Services Management, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author
Shaghayegh Vahdat Department of Health Services Management, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Corresponding Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2805-8955
Mortaza Qhasemi Department of Health Services Management, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2142-801X
Tayebeh Layeghi qalesoukhte Department of Health Services Management, ST.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9145-0010

Keywords:

Kirkpatrick’s Four-Level Model, CPR Training, Nursing Staff Performance, Training Program Evaluation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kirkpatrick’s Four-Level Model in assessing the impact of a structured first aid and CPR training program on the performance of nursing staff in Al-Rusafa sector hospitals in Baghdad. An experimental design was adopted. A total of 120 nurses were recruited and divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 60) and a control group (n = 60). The experimental group received a specialized first aid and CPR training program based on the American Heart Association guidelines (2020–2025), while the control group continued routine clinical practice without receiving the intervention. The training program was evaluated using Kirkpatrick’s four levels: Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results. Data were analyzed to assess participants’ satisfaction, knowledge acquisition, behavioral performance, and changes in selected clinical outcome indicators. The findings showed significant improvements across all four evaluation levels among nurses in the experimental group. The mean trainee satisfaction score reached 4.52 out of 5. Cognitive test scores increased by 68.3%, behavioral performance improved by 71.4%, and medical error rates decreased by 43.2%. These findings indicate that the training program contributed to improvements in nurses’ knowledge, practical performance, and selected organizational outcomes. Kirkpatrick’s Four-Level Model provides a structured and comprehensive framework for evaluating healthcare training programs. The findings support its use in assessing first aid and CPR training among nursing staff in Iraqi hospitals. The study recommends the adoption of systematic training evaluation models within healthcare institutions to enhance nursing performance, improve the quality of emergency response, and support patient safety.

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