Comparison of instructor-led automated external defibrillation training and three alternative DVD-based training...

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Education Technology
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Background:

• Self-directed basic life support (BLS) training with personal manikins and video is effective.
• Effectiveness of self-directed Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training has not been previously evaluated.
• This study investigates DVD-based AED training methods compared to traditional instructor-led training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of DVD-based AED training methods against traditional instructor-led training.
• To evaluate the impact of practice and scenario training on AED knowledge retention.
• To determine the non-inferiority of DVD-based AED training compared to instructor-led methods.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized non-inferiority study involving 396 participants.
• Four training arms: instructor-led, 2.5-min DVD, 4.5-min DVD with manikin practice, 9-min DVD with manikin practice and scenario training.
• Testing conducted immediately post-training and at 2-month retention, using modified Cardiff criteria.

Main Results:

• Non-inferiority was not met for DVD-based AED training methods compared to instructor-led training at post-test or retention.
• Relative risk of passing was significantly lower for all DVD groups compared to instructor-led training.
• All DVD groups showed improved performance on the retention test compared to the post-test; scenario training yielded higher post-test scores.

Conclusions:

• DVD-based AED training without scenario components is not recommended.
• Scenario training enhances learning but does not replace instructor-facilitated training.
• Instructor-facilitated training remains the most effective method for AED proficiency.