“COMPARISON OF HANDS OFF & HANDS ON TRAINING IN BASIC LIFE SUPPORT: A MANNEQUIN-BASED STUDY “

Abstract

Background Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can reduce the mortality in patients with cardiopulmonary failure by upto 3 times. Its effectiveness relies on the correct knowledge, technique and most importantly skill of the performer which has been found to be inadequate even among healthcare professionals. This may be improved by designing better training methods that aim at enhancing the skills of the performer. Objective This study aims to compare the hands-on training method utilising mannequin (Mannequin Group) versus training without use of mannequin (non-mannequin group or control group) in the Basic Life Support (BLS) training. We evaluated the effect and utility of using mannequins to follow along with BLS training. Method This prospective experimental study was done on nal year medical students and interns. Participants were randomly assigned to either mannequin group or non-mannequin (control group). Both groups were given 3 hours long BLS training but all participants of mannequin group were given a mannequin for follow along practice during the training while the other group was kept as control. Both groups were analysed for knowledge via MCQ based test and skills were assessed on 3-point Likert scale immediately after the training. Results Atotal of 179 participants enrolled for the study (randomly assigned 90 in mannequin group and 89 in nonmannequin group). Post-training knowledge scores were 17.20 ± 11.17 for the mannequin group versus 16.53 ± 2.28 for the control group (p> 0.05). Post-training skill scores were signicantly higher for mannequin group in 28 of the 30 skills tested when compared to control group (p<0.05). Conclusion Use of mannequins to follow along with BLS training is an effective tool that signicantly improves the skills of participants but has no effect on the knowledge levels of participants. Hence, mannequins hands-on training should be made mandatory in every BLS training as it signicantly improves the skill level of healthcare professionals which may result in the reduction of patient mortality.