Effects of the use of theoretical versus theoretical-practical training on CPR.
BACKGROUND
Theoretical knowledge and skill to perform good quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are essential for the survival of patients with sudden death.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a theoretical course alone is sufficient to promote good quality CPR training and knowledge for health professionals in comparison to a theoretical-practical basic life support training.


METHODS
Twenty volunteer nurses participated in the theoretical CPR and automated external defibrillation (AED) training by means of a theoretical class and video used in the Basic Life Support Training of the American Heart Association (BLS-AHA; group A). They were compared to other 26 health professionals who attended regular theoretical-practical BLS-AHA training (group B). After the training, the participants took theoretical and practical tests as recommended in BLS-AHA courses. The practical tests were recorded and were later scored by three experienced instructors. The theoretical test was a multiple choice test used in regular BLS-AHA courses.


RESULTS
No difference was observed in the theoretical tests (p = ns). However, the practical tests were consistently worse in group A, as evaluated by the three examiners (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of CPR videos and theoretical training did not improve the individuals' psychomotor ability to perform good quality CPR; however, it may improve their cognitive ability (knowledge). Critical areas of intervention are the primary ABCD and the correct use of AED.
Miotto
Heberth César
HC
Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. hcmiotto@cardiol.br
Camargos
Felipe Ribeiro da Silva
FR
Ribeiro
Cristiano Valério
CV
Goulart
Eugenio M A
EM
Moreira
Maria da Consolação Vieira
Mda C
D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education* / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D047548:Defibrillators; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D014742:Videodisc Recording / Q000295:instrumentation