Research into Practice — September 2026 Evidence Round-up

23rd October 2026

Brian Carlin

Five research summaries originally featured on our home page, covering studies published in September 2026 and their practical implications for training.

1. Making CPR training more realistic

A study involving 573 healthcare professionals introduced female CPR manikins with different skin tones into hospital BLS training. Afterwards, 73.1% reported greater confidence performing CPR on someone with breasts. The study measured confidence rather than clinical performance.

Training takeaway: Include realistic practice in chest exposure, compression landmarks and AED-pad placement across different body types.

Resuscitation Plus — 1 September 2026
Read the paper →

2. Rehearsing anaphylaxis emergencies

In a randomised trial involving 125 paramedic trainees, repeating the same virtual-reality anaphylaxis scenario improved performance. Learners recognised anaphylaxis sooner and administered intramuscular adrenaline almost three minutes earlier. Transfer to unfamiliar scenarios or real emergencies was not established.

Training takeaway: Give learners a second attempt after focused feedback, then assess their response to a different scenario.

Scientific Reports — 3 September 2026
Read the paper →

3. Anaphylaxis knowledge needs practical assessment

A Latvian study of pharmacists and pharmacy assistants found important gaps in adrenaline auto-injector technique and knowledge of repeat dosing. No participant completed every assessed administration step correctly. These findings concern one professional group and should not be generalised to all healthcare staff.

Training takeaway: Observe each learner using a training device and include scenarios requiring reassessment and further treatment.

BMC Health Services Research — 11 September 2026
Read the paper →

4. Online learning can strengthen allergy knowledge

A nationwide programme for school professionals in Portugal improved food-allergy knowledge scores from 62.1% to 79.6%. Knowledge of anaphylaxis management and exposure prevention improved. However, the study assessed knowledge and perceived competence rather than observed emergency skills.

Training takeaway: Use online education to support preparation, alongside hands-on device practice and realistic emergency scenarios.

European Annals of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — 25 September 2026
Read the paper →

5. Adapting CPR education to its audience

A small US pilot adapted hands-only CPR training for three different communities and delivered it in familiar settings. Participants reported greater confidence and found CPR less difficult afterwards. Without a comparison group or objective skills assessment, superiority over standard teaching remains uncertain.

Training takeaway: Adapt language, examples and teaching materials to learners’ needs, while retaining objective practical assessment.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine — 26 September 2026
Read the paper →

Read our 23 October 2026 evidence update →

Browse all News & Clinical Updates →