Efficiency of short individualised CPR self-learning sessions with automated assessment and feedback

Regular assessments are recommended to identify individuals requiring additional resuscitation training. We developed a strategy of short CPR self-learning sessions followed by automated assessment with feedback and investigated its efficiency to achieve a pre-defined level of compression skills.

Four hundred and four students in pharmacy and educational sciences participated. Initial training (max. 40 min) consisted of a 15 min learning-while-watching video followed by manikin exercises with computer voice feedback. At baseline and after training, performance was measured using an automated test. To be judged competent participants had to achieve ≥ 70% compressions with depth ≥ 50 mm and ≥ 70% compressions with complete release (<5mm) and a compression rate between 100 and 120 min(-1) within a two month period. Automated feedback was provided and failed participants had to retrain within two weeks. Retraining (max. 20 min and max. three times) was done with voice feedback exercises. Before retraining, the previous test result was displayed together with feedforward. After five months all participants were invited for a retention test.

After one to four sessions, 99% (401/404) of all participants achieved competency. After five months 48% (137/288) of the students participating in the retention test was still competent. The percentage competent participants was 80% (230/288) for compression depth, 97% (279/288) for complete release and 60% (172/288) for mean rate.

One or multiple short self-learning sessions were highly efficient to successfully train 99% of participants. After five months, retention of compression depth and complete release was very high. However, only 48% still achieved a 70% combined score for compression skills, highlighting the importance of regular assessment and retraining.