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Original Research Article

A Delphi Consensus on the Contents of a Basic Life Support Training Module for Healthcare Practitioners in Ghana

Alex Darteh Afrifa, James Kojo Prah, Jeffrey Agyemang Afrifa, Patricia Assabil, Benjamin Nyane, Joyce Eshun

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Alex Darteh Afrifa Corresponding Author

University of Cape Coast

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7693-7412

Correspondence: alex.afrifa@ucc.edu.gh

Received
20 Jun 2026
Published
14 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge and skills are essential for healthcare practitioners, particularly nurses and midwives who are often the first responders in clinical emergencies. However, BLS training in Ghana remains inconsistent across institutions. This study sought to develop a consensus on the appropriate contents of a BLS training module for healthcare practitioners in Ghana using the Delphi technique. Methods: A two-round Delphi consensus study was conducted among experts in anaesthesia, critical care, nursing, and BLS instruction from major healthcare institutions in Ghana. The questionnaire was developed from the 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Responses were analysed using Cochran’s Q test, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: Fifteen experts participated in round one, while ten completed round two. From the original 56 items, 31 consensus statements were retained for inclusion in the final BLS training module. Key themes identified included the role of trainers, learner responsibilities, institutional support, course design, assessment strategies, simulation-based learning, and continuous professional development. Statistical significance was observed across both Delphi rounds (p < .001). Conclusion: The study established consensus-driven recommendations for the development of a standardised BLS training curriculum for healthcare practitioners in Ghana. The findings support the need for uniform training guidelines, simulation-based practice, regular retraining, and institutional investment in skills laboratories to improve CPR competence and patient outcomes.

Keywords: Basic Life Support, Delphi technique, CPR training, nursing education, Ghana, healthcare practitioners

How to Cite

APA

Afrifa, A. D., Prah, J. K., Afrifa, J. A., Assabil, P., Nyane, B., & Eshun, J. (2026). A Delphi Consensus on the Contents of a Basic Life Support Training Module for Healthcare Practitioners in Ghana. Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies, 1(5). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21355103

MLA

Afrifa, Alex Darteh, James Kojo Prah, Jeffrey Agyemang Afrifa, Patricia Assabil, Benjamin Nyane, and Joyce Eshun. "A Delphi Consensus on the Contents of a Basic Life Support Training Module for Healthcare Practitioners in Ghana." Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies, vol. 1, no. 5, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21355103

Chicago

Afrifa, Alex Darteh, James Kojo Prah, Jeffrey Agyemang Afrifa, Patricia Assabil, Benjamin Nyane, and Joyce Eshun. "A Delphi Consensus on the Contents of a Basic Life Support Training Module for Healthcare Practitioners in Ghana." Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies 1, no. 5 (2026). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21355103

References

Bhanji, F., Donoghue, A. J., Wolff, M. S., Flores, G. E., Halamek, L. P., Berman, J. M., Sinz, E. H., & Cheng, A. (2015). Part 14: Education: 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation, 132(Suppl 2), S561–S573. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000268 Green, R. A. (2014). The Delphi technique in educational research. SAGE Open, 4(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014529773 Hsu, C. C., & Sandford, B. A. (2007). The Delphi technique: Making sense of consensus. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 12(10), 1–8. Meshkat, B., Cowman, S., Gethin, G., Ryan, K., Wiley, M., Brick, A., Clarke, E., & Mulligan, E. (2014). Using an e-Delphi technique in achieving consensus across disciplines for developing best practice in day surgery in Ireland. Journal of Hospital Administration, 3(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.5430/jha.v3n4p1 Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana. (2015). Curriculum for the Registered General Nursing Programme. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana.
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Metadata
ISSN 3139-7247
Tracking ID JCARM_JUN_26_090
Article No. 043
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Article Info
Journal JCARM
Volume Vol 1, No 5
Year 2026
Type Original Research Article
Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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