title: Comparison of traditional versus high-fidelity simulation in the retention of ACLS knowledge.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We performed a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the retention of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) knowledge between high-fidelity simulation training (HFST) and traditional training (TT) in medical students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical students were randomized to HFST or TT for their ACLS training. Students were then tested on 2 different mega-code scenarios immediately after their training and then 1-year later. A survey was performed asking their satisfaction of ACLS training and confidence of ACLS knowledge with a 10-point rating scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  93 students were randomized with 86 completing the study (HFST=45, TT=41). The HFST group scored a higher percentage correct on initial testing than the TT group (83% vs. 70%, P<0.0001). However at 1-year follow up, both groups performed the same (66% vs. 66%, P=0.84). Satisfaction with training was higher with the HFST compared to the TT group (9.0 vs. 7.8, P<0.0001). Confidence in ACLS knowledge between HFST and TT groups were similar at baseline (6.9 vs. 6.5, P=0.18) and at 1-year (4.8 vs. 4.5, P=0.46).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Students demonstrated greater ACLS knowledge initially with HFST than with TT. However, after 1-year, both groups performed the same. Satisfaction with training was higher with HFST compared to TT. Confidence in ACLS knowledge was the same initially and decreased similarly over a 1-year time period regardless of the type of ACLS training. Further studies will need to determine optimal strategies to retain ACLS knowledge.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. Brucelo1@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Bruce M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Lo
authors.forename: Alicia S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Donald V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Byars
authors.forename: Olive Y
authors.initials: OY
authors.lastname: Lamm
authors.forename: Rusty J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sean M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: Laura L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D022561:Advanced Cardiac Life Support / Q000193:education*; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008348:Manikins; D016544:Patient Simulation; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D016037:Single-Blind Method