Abstract 19197: No Difference in Retention of BLS/AED Skills When Teaching Laypersons Using Four-stage and Two-stage Teaching Technique: A Randomized Comparison

Abstract

Introduction: The ability of laypersons to perform BLS/AED increases immediately after resuscitation training. Studies indicate that resuscitation skills rapidly decay after initial training, however it is unknown whether teaching technique influence retention of skill. Aim: To study the retention of BLS/AED skills three months after training when teaching laypersons using a four-stage and two-stage teaching technique. Methods: Laypersons (exclusion: health care professionals/students) were randomized to a standardized ERC BLS/AED courses using the four-stage teaching technique or to courses with the same content but modified to a two-stage teaching technique. Participants were tested in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario three months (±five days) after their course to assess retention of BLS/AED. Tests were video recorded and reviewed by two independent assessors blinded to training technique. Skills were assessed using the ERC BLS/AED assessment form. The primary endpoint was passing the test (17 out of 17 skills adequately performed). Results: A total of 160 participants were included in the study. No difference was found in pass rate immediately after training (diff. -1.6%; 95%CI -17.9%; 14.6%). There was no statistical difference in retention of BLS/AED skills (pass rate: both 11%, diff. -0.4%; 95%CI -28%-27%) three months after training . Total average skills adequately performed (of 17) were 13.7 versus 13.3 among laypersons trained with the four-stage (n=64) and the two-stage technique (n=64). No difference was found in number of chest compressions delivered per compression cycle (29±2.8 vs 30±3.1), chest compression rate (107±17 vs 108±19 minute-1), chest compression depth (46±11 vs 43±12 mm), number of effective rescue breaths between compression cycles (1.6±0.7 vs 1.6±0.5) and tidal volume (0.6±0.4 0.7±0.4 L). Conclusion: We found no difference in retention of BLS/AED skills among laypersons taught using a four-stage teaching technique compared to a two-stage teaching technique.