Abstract 19242: No Difference in Skill Acquisition and Retention When Teaching Laypersons Recovery Position Using Four-stage and Two-stage Teaching Technique: A Randomized Comparison

Abstract

Introduction: Resuscitation guidelines recommend that unconscious and spontaneously breathing persons are placed in the recovery position to secure airway patency. Techniques for teaching the recovery position require evaluation. Aim: To evaluate acquisition and retention of recovery position skills among laypersons taught using a four-stage and two-stage teaching technique. Methods: Laypersons were randomized to a standardized European Resuscitation Council (ERC) courses in BLS/AED including training in recovery position using a four-stage teaching technique compared to modified course with the same content using a two-stage teaching technique. Participants were tested immediately after training and three months (±five days) later to assess acquisition and retention of recovery position skills. Tests were video recorded and reviewed by two assessors blinded to teaching technique. A skill checklist in accordance with the ERC guidelines representing the eight steps of the recovery position was used. The primary endpoint was passing the test (8 out of 8 skills). Result: In total, 160 participants were included. Total average number of steps of eight performed correctly was 7.3±1.0 (n=70) vs 7.1±1.1 (n=72) (p=0.5) immediately after the course and 4.1 ±2.3 (n=64) vs 3.8 ±2.3 (n=64) (p=0.4) three month later when using the four-stage and the two-stage technique, respectively. Correct final recovery position was obtained by 91% vs 93% immediately after the course and 49% vs 42% three month later. Each separate step of the recovery position is shown in Table 1. Conclusion: There was no difference in skill acquisition and retention when teaching laypersons recovery position using the four-stage and two-stage teaching technique. There was a marked decrease in skill level three months after training, particularly keeping the airway patent by head tilt and checking breathing regularly in both groups.