Basic Life Support
Conditions
Keywords
Self-learning, Instructor-led learning, Long-term retention
Brief summary
This study investigates whether there is a difference in the BLS skills in first year medical students directly after training and three months later, when randomly assigned to self-learning versus instructor-led training courses.
Detailed description
This is a randomized controlled trial investigating whether self-learning versus instructor-led learning results in the same BLS skills in first year medical students directly after training and three months later. When participants attend the Erweiterte Erste Hilfe für Studierende der Humanmedizin they will receive a short introduction about the study. The investigators will invite all first year students to participate in the study. As the study is voluntarily, participants need to sign a written informed consent. After that, the investigators will randomize the students to either group A or Group B. Group A will train their technical CPR-skills with supervision by a tutor (either general practitioner or medical student, all trained in CPR teaching) and group B will train without supervision. The participants in group B will not be allowed to communicate with each other during the training and they will be prevented from watching each other. The training will take about 30 minutes for each group. Directly after the training each group will be tested and the printed report form from the Laerdal Skill Reporter will be obtained for each participant. In the test the students will perform CPR in a simulated scenario as a first responder. The scenario is: A male person has collapsed at the railway station. The participant should start CPR as learned in the training. During the CPR a departmental research fellow will observe the study participants and record BLS/AED actions on a scoring sheet. The investigators will record three cycles of two minutes CPR (with five times 30:2 compression : ventilation intervals, as recommended by the current international resuscitation guidelines). During the three cycles an AED will be delivered and the study participant has to apply the AED and deliver a shock - after three cycles the study terminates. After the BLS/AED competence testing, both groups will continue the rest of their first aid course together and the first part of the study ends. Three months later, the investigators will repeat the same scenario over the same time interval and record the same parameters. At the end of the second testing, a short feedback will be provided on the BLS/AED competence and further practice will be provided to the students to improve their CPR competence. From this point forward no further data will be collected.
Interventions
OTHERSelf-learning
Training without supervision
OTHERInstructor-led learning
Supervision by a tutor (either general practitioner or medical student, all trained in CPR teaching)
Sponsors
University of Bern
Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* First year medical students at the University of Bern participating in the course Erweiterte Erste Hilfe für Studierende der Humanmedizin with written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Students with professional BLS-experience, unable to perform BLS, or missing informed consent will be excluded.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of Correct Compressions | after first BLS course and 3 months later | The percentage of correct compressions obtained from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Self-assessment of the Participants BLS Competences Before Test | before first BLS course and 3 months later | The participants assessment of their own BLS competences. Rated on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0-100mm, where 0mm = completely incompetent, no idea what to do, and 100mm = totally competent, cannot be done better. |
| Assessment of the Teaching Method | after first BLS course | The participants assessment of the teaching method. Rated on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0-100mm, where 0mm = completely inefficient, and 100mm = totally efficient, nothing can be done better. |
| Average Ventilation Volume | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Ventilation volume from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| Number of Ventilations Per Minute | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Number of ventilations per minute from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| Percentage of Correct Ventilations | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Percentage of correct ventilations from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| Number of Participants Using Correct Ratio of Compressions:Ventilations | after first BLS course and 3 months later | the relationship between ventilations and compressions from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR). Ventilations - relationship 30 compressions and 2 ventilations. |
| Compression Depth | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Compression depth from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| Number of Compressions Per Minute | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Number of compressions per minute from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| Assessment of the Participants BLS Competences After Test | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Assessment of the participant's BLS competence by the study team after test. Rated on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0-100mm, where 0mm = completely incompetent, no idea what to do, and 100mm = totally competent, cannot be done better. |
| Compressions Too Shallow | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Total percentage of Compressions too shallow from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| False Hand Placement During Compressions | after first BLS course and 3 months later | False hand placement during compressions. |
| Incomplete Decompression | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Incomplete decompression from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR) |
| Time From Start of Test Till Call for Help | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant calls for help. |
| Time From Start of Test Till First Compression | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant makes the first compression. |
| Time From Start of Test Till First Ventilation | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant makes the first ventilation. |
| Time From Start of Test Till First Shock | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant gives the first shock. |
| Compression Frequency | after first BLS course and 3 months later | Compression frequency from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR). Compressions per minute ventilation break included. |
Countries
Switzerland
Participant flow
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning This group will train their technical CPR-skills with supervision by a tutor (either general practitioner or medical student, all trained in CPR teaching)
Instructor-led learning: Supervision by a tutor (either general practitioner or medical student, all trained in CPR teaching) | 122 |
| Self-learning This group will Train alone without supervision and without communicating with the other participants.
Self-learning: Training without supervision | 118 |
| Total | 240 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Instructor-led Learning | Self-learning | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Categorical <=18 years | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Age, Categorical >=65 years | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Age, Categorical Between 18 and 65 years | 122 Participants | 118 Participants | 240 Participants |
| Age, Continuous | 21 years | 21 years | 21 years |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 122 Participants | 118 Participants | 240 Participants |
| Region of Enrollment Switzerland | 122 participants | 118 participants | 240 participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 72 Participants | 69 Participants | 141 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 50 Participants | 49 Participants | 99 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 122 | 0 / 188 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 0 / 122 | 0 / 118 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 122 | 0 / 118 |
Outcome results
Primary
Percentage of Correct Compressions
The percentage of correct compressions obtained from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Percentage of Correct Compressions | Follow - up | 28 percentage of correct compressions |
| Instructor-led Learning | Percentage of Correct Compressions | Teaching | 48 percentage of correct compressions |
| Self-learning | Percentage of Correct Compressions | Teaching | 42 percentage of correct compressions |
| Self-learning | Percentage of Correct Compressions | Follow - up | 47 percentage of correct compressions |
Secondary
Assessment of the Participants BLS Competences After Test
Assessment of the participant's BLS competence by the study team after test. Rated on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0-100mm, where 0mm = completely incompetent, no idea what to do, and 100mm = totally competent, cannot be done better.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Assessment of the Participants BLS Competences After Test | Teaching | 73 units on a scale |
| Instructor-led Learning | Assessment of the Participants BLS Competences After Test | Follow-up | 68 units on a scale |
| Self-learning | Assessment of the Participants BLS Competences After Test | Teaching | 68 units on a scale |
| Self-learning | Assessment of the Participants BLS Competences After Test | Follow-up | 65 units on a scale |
Secondary
Assessment of the Teaching Method
The participants assessment of the teaching method. Rated on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0-100mm, where 0mm = completely inefficient, and 100mm = totally efficient, nothing can be done better.
Time frame: after first BLS course
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Assessment of the Teaching Method | 80 score on a scale |
| Self-learning | Assessment of the Teaching Method | 75 score on a scale |
Secondary
Average Ventilation Volume
Ventilation volume from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Average Ventilation Volume | Teaching | 790 ml |
| Instructor-led Learning | Average Ventilation Volume | Follow-up | 615 ml |
| Self-learning | Average Ventilation Volume | Teaching | 810 ml |
| Self-learning | Average Ventilation Volume | Follow-up | 660 ml |
Secondary
Compression Depth
Compression depth from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Compression Depth | Teaching | 52 mm |
| Instructor-led Learning | Compression Depth | Follow-up | 50 mm |
| Self-learning | Compression Depth | Teaching | 52 mm |
| Self-learning | Compression Depth | Follow-up | 53 mm |
Secondary
Compression Frequency
Compression frequency from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR). Compressions per minute ventilation break included.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Compression Frequency | Teaching | 112 compressions per minute |
| Instructor-led Learning | Compression Frequency | Follow - up | 113 compressions per minute |
| Self-learning | Compression Frequency | Teaching | 111 compressions per minute |
| Self-learning | Compression Frequency | Follow - up | 114 compressions per minute |
Secondary
Compressions Too Shallow
Total percentage of Compressions too shallow from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Compressions Too Shallow | Teaching | 25 percentage of Compressions too shallow |
| Instructor-led Learning | Compressions Too Shallow | Follow-up | 44 percentage of Compressions too shallow |
| Self-learning | Compressions Too Shallow | Teaching | 24 percentage of Compressions too shallow |
| Self-learning | Compressions Too Shallow | Follow-up | 18 percentage of Compressions too shallow |
Secondary
False Hand Placement During Compressions
False hand placement during compressions.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | False Hand Placement During Compressions | Teaching | 6 percentage of False hand placement durin |
| Instructor-led Learning | False Hand Placement During Compressions | Follow-up | 13 percentage of False hand placement durin |
| Self-learning | False Hand Placement During Compressions | Teaching | 6 percentage of False hand placement durin |
| Self-learning | False Hand Placement During Compressions | Follow-up | 15 percentage of False hand placement durin |
Secondary
Incomplete Decompression
Incomplete decompression from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Incomplete Decompression | Teaching | 0 percentage of Incomplete decompression |
| Instructor-led Learning | Incomplete Decompression | Follow - up | 0 percentage of Incomplete decompression |
| Self-learning | Incomplete Decompression | Teaching | 0 percentage of Incomplete decompression |
| Self-learning | Incomplete Decompression | Follow - up | 0 percentage of Incomplete decompression |
Secondary
Number of Compressions Per Minute
Number of compressions per minute from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Number of Compressions Per Minute | Teaching | 54 compressions per minute |
| Instructor-led Learning | Number of Compressions Per Minute | Follow-up | 57 compressions per minute |
| Self-learning | Number of Compressions Per Minute | Teaching | 51 compressions per minute |
| Self-learning | Number of Compressions Per Minute | Follow-up | 59 compressions per minute |
Secondary
Number of Participants Using Correct Ratio of Compressions:Ventilations
the relationship between ventilations and compressions from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR). Ventilations - relationship 30 compressions and 2 ventilations.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Number of Participants Using Correct Ratio of Compressions:Ventilations | Teaching | 18 Participants |
| Instructor-led Learning | Number of Participants Using Correct Ratio of Compressions:Ventilations | Follow-up | 6 Participants |
| Self-learning | Number of Participants Using Correct Ratio of Compressions:Ventilations | Teaching | 16 Participants |
| Self-learning | Number of Participants Using Correct Ratio of Compressions:Ventilations | Follow-up | 8 Participants |
Secondary
Number of Ventilations Per Minute
Number of ventilations per minute from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Number of Ventilations Per Minute | Teaching | 2 (ventilations/min) |
| Instructor-led Learning | Number of Ventilations Per Minute | Follow-up | 2 (ventilations/min) |
| Self-learning | Number of Ventilations Per Minute | Teaching | 2 (ventilations/min) |
| Self-learning | Number of Ventilations Per Minute | Follow-up | 3 (ventilations/min) |
Secondary
Percentage of Correct Ventilations
Percentage of correct ventilations from the printed report from the Laerdal Skill Reporter (LSR)
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Percentage of Correct Ventilations | Teaching | 25 percentage of corrent ventilations |
| Instructor-led Learning | Percentage of Correct Ventilations | Follow-up | 50 percentage of corrent ventilations |
| Self-learning | Percentage of Correct Ventilations | Teaching | 22 percentage of corrent ventilations |
| Self-learning | Percentage of Correct Ventilations | Follow-up | 41 percentage of corrent ventilations |
Secondary
Self-assessment of the Participants BLS Competences Before Test
The participants assessment of their own BLS competences. Rated on a Visual Analogue Scale from 0-100mm, where 0mm = completely incompetent, no idea what to do, and 100mm = totally competent, cannot be done better.
Time frame: before first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Self-assessment of the Participants BLS Competences Before Test | Teaching | 71 score on a scale |
| Instructor-led Learning | Self-assessment of the Participants BLS Competences Before Test | Follow-up | 60 score on a scale |
| Self-learning | Self-assessment of the Participants BLS Competences Before Test | Teaching | 70 score on a scale |
| Self-learning | Self-assessment of the Participants BLS Competences Before Test | Follow-up | 59 score on a scale |
Secondary
Time From Start of Test Till Call for Help
Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant calls for help.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till Call for Help | Teaching | 10 seconds |
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till Call for Help | Follow-up | 9 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till Call for Help | Teaching | 12 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till Call for Help | Follow-up | 8 seconds |
Secondary
Time From Start of Test Till First Compression
Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant makes the first compression.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Compression | Teaching | 35 seconds |
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Compression | Follow-up | 28 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Compression | Teaching | 35 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Compression | Follow-up | 25 seconds |
Secondary
Time From Start of Test Till First Shock
Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant gives the first shock.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Shock | Teaching | 100 seconds |
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Shock | Follow-up | 83 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Shock | Teaching | 118 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Shock | Follow-up | 88 seconds |
Secondary
Time From Start of Test Till First Ventilation
Time measured from the beginning of the test until the participant makes the first ventilation.
Time frame: after first BLS course and 3 months later
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEDIAN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Ventilation | Teaching | 70 seconds |
| Instructor-led Learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Ventilation | Follow-up | 93 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Ventilation | Teaching | 64 seconds |
| Self-learning | Time From Start of Test Till First Ventilation | Follow-up | 63 seconds |