title: Comparison of an interactive CD-based and traditional instructor-led Basic Life Support skills training for nurses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Basic Life Support (BLS) is a life-saving and fundamental skill in resuscitation. However, studies have reported limitations in BLS training outcomes for both health professional and lay populations, and noted the resource and time-intensive nature of traditional training approaches.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This exploratory study evaluated the effectiveness of an interactive CD-based BLS training programme that included unsupervised manikin practice compared with a traditional instructor-led BLS training programme involving demonstration and supervised practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quasi-experimental post-test with follow-up design was used. The sample was comprised of two cohorts: Novice second-year undergraduate Nursing students (n=187) and Practising Nurses (n=107) in their first year of hospital employment. BLS skill outcomes were assessed at one week and again at eight weeks post training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant differences were found between the CD and traditional instructor-led BLS training methods in BLS skills of Novice and Practising Nurses at one week and eight weeks post training. However, there was a decrement in skill between one week and eight weeks post-training across both groups and an overall low level of competence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The failure to find a difference between the CD-based BLS programme with unsupervised manikin practice and a resource-intensive traditional instructor-led BLS training programme may indicate equivalence of the programmes or, even study design limitations. It is concerning that competence displayed by trainees from both groups was less than optimal and suggests the need for renewed efforts to develop and evaluate BLS training programmes which can achieve high rates of competence with acceptable skill retention over time.
authors.affiliation: Austin Health, School of Nursing & Midwifery, La Trobe University, Clinical Education Unit, Austin Hospital, Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia. Electronic address: Karen.Mardegan@austin.org.au.
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Mardegan
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia. Electronic address: m.schofield@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Margot J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Schofield
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia. Electronic address: G.Murphy@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Gregory C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D016250:Compact Disks; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008020:Life Support Care; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins
keywords: Basic Life Support (BLS); CD-based BLS; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); Instructor-led training; Multi-media; Nurses; Skill training