Cardiac Arrest (CA), CPR
Conditions
Keywords
schoolchildren, learning, intervention, knowledge, skills
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a CPR intervention for children aged 7 and 8. Given the high prevalence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) and the proven benefits of early CPR training, the study seeks to determine whether a structured intervention can improve young children's knowledge and skills in basic life support. What is the effect of a CPR training intervention on the knowledge and skills of 7- and 8-year-old schoolchildren? Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Research shows that survival rates increase significantly when CPR is performed promptly by a trained bystander. Countries with early CPR training programs in schools, such as Norway and Denmark, report better survival outcomes. However, in Latin America, CPR education in schools is still in its early stages. Evidence suggests that children can effectively learn and retain CPR knowledge, and they can serve as multipliers by passing their knowledge to family and peers. Study Design: This is a non-randomized, double-blind controlled trial with four phases:
Detailed description
Intervention Design - Developing an age-appropriate CPR training intervention based on educational and cognitive development theories. Content Validation - Experts in child education and health professionals will assess the content and delivery methods. Validation of Assessment Tools - Ensuring reliability in measuring children's CPR knowledge and skills. Intervention Implementation and Evaluation - The intervention will be conducted in schools, with pre- and post-tests assessing knowledge and skills retention after 3 months. Expected Outcomes: Improved knowledge and skill levels in CPR among children who receive the intervention. Validation of a structured educational approach for teaching CPR to young children. Contribution to global evidence on CPR education and its potential impact in Bogotá schools.
Interventions
OTHERIntervention for Teaching the First Link in the Chain of Survival to 7- and 8-Year-Old Children
Unlike traditional CPR training programs designed primarily for older children or adults, this intervention is uniquely tailored for 7- and 8-year-old schoolchildren. It employs a narrative-based, age-appropriate educational approach that incorporates storytelling, interactive activities, and practical simulation exercises aligned with the cognitive and motor development of young learners. Delivered by school nurses in a classroom setting, the program not only focuses on teaching the first link in the chain of survival but also ensures that its content and methods are rigorously validated by experts. Moreover, the intervention includes a follow-up evaluation at three months to assess the retention of knowledge and skills, distinguishing it from other clinical studies that lack such long-term assessment.
OTHERPlacebo Intervention - First Aid (Excluding Basic CPR)
In the control arm, participants receive a structured first aid educational program that intentionally excludes any training on the first link in the chain of survival. This intervention focuses on general first aid skills-such as wound care, management of minor injuries, and other non-cardiac emergency procedures-ensuring that no content related to recognizing a cardiac emergency or activating the emergency response system is provided. Delivered in a classroom setting by qualified personnel, the program is designed to mirror the overall structure, duration, and engagement level of the CPR intervention without overlapping its core content. Expert validation has been obtained to confirm that the curriculum remains neutral and strictly adheres to general first aid, thereby serving as a robust comparator to isolate the specific effects of CPR training in young schoolchildren.
Sponsors
Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
In this study, masking is implemented to minimize bias in outcome assessment. Specifically, both the participants and the investigators conducting the measurements are blinded to the group assignments. In addition, the statistician responsible for data analysis remains masked to the intervention allocation. To further reduce potential contamination, different educational institutions have been selected for each arm of the study. This comprehensive masking approach ensures that data collection, evaluation, and analysis are conducted without bias from knowledge of group allocation.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
7 Years to 8 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Schoolchildren aged between 7 and 8 years. * Students enrolled in an educational institution that has authorized their participation in the study. * Not participating in any other intervention or educational program related to CPR during the study period.
Exclusion criteria
* Students whose parents, legal guardians, teachers, or the students themselves report any health condition that prevents them from participating in the study. * Students who indicate having received prior training in CPR or related skills. * Students whose parents, legal guardians, or teachers report any cognitive condition that limits their ability to understand and follow the instructions necessary to learn and practice CPR in simulated scenarios.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in knowledge and practical skills in basic CPR-specifically, the first link in the chain of survival | 3 moths | The primary outcome measure for this study is the change in knowledge and practical skills in basic CPR-specifically, the first link in the chain of survival-among 7- and 8-year-old schoolchildren. This will be assessed through a structured pre- and post-intervention questionnaire that evaluates theoretical understanding of CPR and an observational checklist used during simulated scenarios to gauge practical skill execution. |
Countries
Colombia
Contacts
Primary ContactDiana M Blanco-Avila, Master of Nursing
Outcome results
None listed