Saturday 29 December 2012

Self-learning stations for CPR

This Belgian study looked at whether sophisticated self-learning stations for CPR were as good as instructor-led stations. [1]

They used a Resusci Anne Skills Station which was installed in a small room. 235 nurses were then randomized to Self-Learning or Instructor-led training and they were assessed at 1 and 7 months for depth of compression, compression rate, release, and mean ventilation volume.

It seems that the traditional instructor-led groups did better than the self-learning groups for this particular type of practical skill. I wonder if they integrated the self-learning more closely to the workplace and work activities they may have got a better outcome. Worth investigating further and no doubt the Resusci Anne automated instruction system will improve.

1. Monsieurs KG, De Regge M, Schelfout S, D’Hondt F, Mpotos N, Valcke M, Calle PA. Efficacy of a self-learning station for basic life support refresher training in a hospital: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Emerg Med 2012 Aug;19(4):214–219.