Content validity assessment of a CPR training program tailored to nursing needs in a general hospital

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training needs of nursing staff from the perspective of key stakeholders and to evaluate the content validity of a competency-based CPR training package developed for a private hospital setting in Vietnam. Methods: Using a two-phase mixed-methods approach, qualitative data were gathered through six in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions with hospital leaders and nurses to identify training needs. In the second phase, a CPR intervention package was developed and validated by 24 experts using the content validity indices (I-CVI and S-CVI/Average). Results: The qualitative findings highlighted two key needs: moving beyond compliance-driven continuing medical education toward competency-based CPR training, and adopting flexible, repeated, department-specific training formats that address workload and shift constraints. The final training package comprised three components: modular knowledge and skills training (including simulation and Kiosk-CPR practice), on-site follow-up in clinical departments, and evaluation at multiple time points (pre-training, and 3- and 6-month follow-up). The five CPR competency domains showed excellent content validity (S-CVI/Average 0.97-0.99). The overall package achieved S-CVI/Average of 1.00 for relevance and 0.94 for necessity, exceeding recommended thresholds. Experts rated longitudinal monitoring (3-months and 6-month follow-up) as more necessary than one-time immediate post-course evaluation. Conclusion: A locally adapted competency-based CPR training package for nurses was systematically developed and psychometrically validated in a private hospital. Strong expert agreement and the emphasis on long-term monitoring provide a robust foundation for future implementation and evaluation of effectiveness.