title: A preliminary feasibility study of a short DVD-based distance-learning package for basic life support.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test the hypothesis that laypeople who learn CPR using an 8-min self-instructional DVD acquire a level of skill that is comparable to that achieved with conventional courses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty volunteers used a short DVD with replay facility, and a simple inflatable training manikin, for self-instruction in basic life support. A further 40 volunteers (control group) attended a conventional 1-h instructor-led course. Skill acquisition was measured for each group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After training, the self-instructional group achieved remarkably similar results compared with the control group for all measured skill variables except compression depth, which was significantly greater for the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Very short, DVD-based, self-instructional packages may be suitable for more widespread use, including distance-learning and other circumstances in which educational opportunities and resources are limited.
authors.affiliation: Pre-hospital Emergency Research Unit, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust/School of Medicine Cardiff University, Finance Building, Lansdowne Site, Sanatorium Road, Cardiff CF11 8PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Anthony J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Handley
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Whitfield
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Newcombe
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chamberlain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D008875:Middle Aged; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation*