title: Self-training in the use of automated external defibrillators: the same results for less money.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the educational benefits and cost-effectiveness of initial AED training for nurses, already trained in basic life support, by a 3-h, instructor-based course, with self-training by means of an instructional poster, a resuscitation manikin, and a training AED.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty general ward nurses from a single regional hospital were randomly allocated to one of two groups for training in the use of an AED. Fifteen nurses were trained by a certified instructor and 15 nurses participated in self-training using a poster, manikin, and training AED. Each nurse was assessed on 17 aspects of performance between 13 and 16 days after training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two groups were comparable for gender, seniority, and experience in resuscitation. No significant differences in performance were found between the groups for 14 of the skills tested. For three skills, there were statistical differences, but these were not considered to be of clinical relevance. If poster self-training were to be used instead of instructor-based courses, it was calculated that there would be a saving in costs of up to 47 euros for each nurse trained.
authors: Department of Education and Development, Doczero, Rondweg 29, NL-5406 NK Uden, The Netherlands. vriesw@xs4all.nl
authors: Wiebe
authors: W
authors: de Vries
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Schelvis
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Rustemeijer
authors: Joost J L M
authors: JJ
authors: Bierens
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D047548:Defibrillators; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013664:Teaching Materials