Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
First aid and basic life support skills training early in the medical curriculum: curriculum issues, outcomes, and
1Medical Education Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. mandira_das@hotmail.com
Background:
The importance of training physicians and other health care professionals in first aid and basic life support (BLS) is now widely recognized. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the United Arab Emirates University have been offering formal training in these skills to 1st-year medical students since 1989. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the program and the extent to which it provides students with confidence to perform skills on their own after training.
Description:
165 of 180 male and female students comprising 3 cohorts (91.7% response rate) completed a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire contained open- ended and Likert-type questions regarding course organization, content, strengths and weaknesses, teaching--learning approaches, and skills development and confidence. The authors analyzed assessment outcomes and associations between self-perceived levels of confidence and ability to practice.
Evaluation:
Students were uniformly enthusiastic and highly motivated by the program. Self-assessed confidence in ability to perform skills on their own after completing the program was moderately correlated with perceived frequency of opportunity to practice many skills. There was nevertheless a consistent desire for more practice time.
Conclusions:
The results suggest that the program provides students with sound basic knowledge and adequate practical skills in first aid and BLS and that adequacy of time and physical and human resources are important prerequisites to facilitate practice and engender confidence in skills.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

