According to the study: Ali, S., Athar, M. and Ahmed, S., M. 2019. "A randomised controlled comparison of video versus instructor-based compression only life support training". Indian Journal of Anaesthesia. Vol. 63, no. 3, 188-193. https://doi.org/10.4103/ija.IJA_737_18
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in Canada. The majority of these cardiac arrests occur at home or in a public place. In short, far from the walls of a hospital. The role of bystanders then becomes crucial, because CPR performed immediately by a bystander can make the difference between life and death. However, in developing countries, illiteracy and the shortage of healthcare professionals constitute major barriers to delivering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. In order to offer a solution to these barriers, the study by Ali, S. et al. explores the possibility of using video-based training to teach CPR. The researchers therefore studied the effectiveness of this solution compared to traditional training delivered to the general public by an instructor.
Summary __________
In this study, the researchers examined the effectiveness of teaching CPR through video-based training compared to traditional training delivered by an instructor. To carry out this study, the researchers recruited 84 university students interested in taking voluntary CPR training. They were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was trained using a video-based demonstration (VBD) and the other using an instructor-based demonstration (IBD). The demonstration presented to both groups covered compression-only life support (COLS). First, the researchers assessed participants' skills by testing their ability to correctly perform the response protocol and chest compressions, as well as their response speed. They then evaluated their perception of the quality of the training methodology using a qualitative questionnaire.
Encouraging results __________
During the performance evaluation, participants in the VBD group performed better than the IBD group with respect to the initial steps of the response protocol. More specifically, 95.2% of participants in the VBD group correctly secured the scene and 97.6% called for help. By comparison, these two steps were correctly performed by 76.1% of participants in the IBD group. Participants in the VBD group also had slightly better results in terms of response speed. The two groups achieved very similar results for the other elements assessed and for overall performance.
Regarding the qualitative evaluation, participants in the VBD group reported greater confidence in their ability to handle a real situation, because the video allowed them to see that a rapid intervention could save a life. They were therefore more stimulated and established an emotional connection that the IBD group participants were unable to develop.
Conclusion __________
The study demonstrated that learning CPR through video-based demonstrations can be a good alternative to the traditional formula with an instructor. It is an accessible option that can allow a greater number of people to be trained. Having been established in this study as a valid educational strategy, this solution can help overcome certain barriers to wider dissemination of CPR training, such as illiteracy and the shortage of healthcare professionals. Finally, as an organization specializing in fully online CPR and first aid training, for Formation RCR et Secourisme Québec this type of approach opens the door to improving the teaching methods offered on our platform. In our view, this study also demonstrates the benefits of self-directed learning made possible through the development of multimedia tools such as those used on our learning platform.
Written by Alexandre Grenier, Founder of Formation RCR et Secourisme Québec, and Émilie Bedard, communications manager
VBD
Abbreviation of the English term "Video-Based Demonstration". In French, the term means "Démonstration basée sur des vidéos" (free translation). It is a training method that uses the presentation of videos to convey the concepts being taught.
Abbreviation of the English term "Instructor-Based Demonstration". In French, the term means "Démonstration par un instructeur". It is a training method that uses a qualified instructor to convey the concepts being taught.
Abbreviation of the English term "Compression Only Life Support". In French, the term means "Réanimation par compressions thoraciques seules". It is a CPR method consisting of performing chest compressions continuously without administering rescue breaths.
AHA. 2005. "Part 4: Adult Basic Life Support". Circulation. Vol. 112, no. 24, suppl., IV-12 to IV-18. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.105.166553