Early or late booster for basic life support skill for laypeople: a simulation-based randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Education
• Resuscitation Science

Background:

• Skill decay is a significant challenge following resuscitation training.
• The optimal timing for booster sessions to enhance skill retention remains debated.
• Effective strategies are needed to improve long-term proficiency in Basic Life Support (BLS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of early versus late booster sessions on BLS skill retention at 4 months.
• To evaluate the impact of booster timing on the long-term performance of resuscitation skills in laypeople.
• To determine the optimal interval for refresher training to combat skill fade after BLS certification.

Main Methods:

• A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in a simulation environment.
• Adult laypeople with no recent BLS training were randomized into control, early booster (3 weeks), or late booster (2 months) groups.
• BLS skills were assessed immediately post-training and at a 4-month retention test using a standardized checklist for CPR and AED use.

Main Results:

• The late booster group demonstrated superior skill retention at 4 months compared to both the early booster and control groups.
• While the early booster group showed some benefit over the control, the late booster group's performance was notably better.
• Skill retention scores significantly declined in the control group, highlighting the need for effective refresher interventions.

Conclusions:

• A late booster session, administered 2 months after initial training, is effective in improving BLS skill retention in laypeople at 4 months.
• The timing of refresher training is a critical factor in maintaining resuscitation competencies.
• These findings support the implementation of strategically timed booster sessions to enhance public preparedness for cardiac emergencies.