Impact of Additional Short Session of Video Training on Performance of Basic Life Support Skills in 2^nd-Year Medical...

Basic life support (BLS) is a core life-saving skill which everyone should know, but knowledge of BLS is poor even among medical students.

The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge regarding BLS among medical students and see impact of training and also to know whether a short session of video training made an impact on their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills.

Ninety-two 2^nd-year medical students were included in the study.

Their baseline knowledge regarding BLS was assessed before workshop with pretest 1. Following workshop posttest 1 and 1 month later, posttest 2 was conducted. A short duration video training on BLS was done after posttest 2 and its impact was assessed 2 months later with performance of CPR skills on a mannequin.

Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. Pearson's Chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences between groups for categorized variables. Unpaired and paired t-test was used to calculate the difference of means for quantitative variables.

There was significant improvement in knowledge regarding BLS after the workshop. Even after 1 month, though there was decline in knowledge, still it was significantly higher than the baseline. Short duration video training session did not lead to any improvement in BLS skills.

BLS training should start early in medical curriculum with reinforcement at regular intervals. Single short duration video training session did not have any impact on improvement of skills.