Abstract
BackgroundEffective education in basic life support (BLS) may improve the early initiation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation (CPR-AED).AimTo compare the learning outcome in terms of practical skills and knowledge of BLS after participating in learning activities related to BLS, with and without web-based education in cardiovascular diseases (CVD).MethodsLaymen (n = 2,623) were cluster randomised to either BLS education or to web-based education in CVD before BLS training. The participants were assessed by a questionnaire for theoretical knowledge and then by a simulated scenario for practical skills. The total score for practical skills in BLS six months after training was the primary outcome. The total score for practical skills directly after training, separate variables and self-assessed knowledge, confidence and willingness, directly and six months after training, were the secondary outcomes.ResultsBLS with web-based education was more effective than BLS without web-based education and obtained a statistically significant higher total score for practical skills at six months (mean 58.8, SD 5.0 vs mean 58.0, SD 5.0; p = 0.03) and directly after training (mean 59.6, SD 4.8 vs mean 58.7, SD 4.9; p = 0.004).ConclusionA web-based education in CVD in addition to BLS training enhanced the learning outcome with a statistically significant higher total score for performed practical skills in BLS as compared to BLS training alone. However, in terms of the outcomes, the differences were minor, and the clinical relevance of our findings has a limited practical impact.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death [1]
basic life support (BLS) with web-based education was more effective than BLS without web-based education and obtained a statistically significant higher total score for practical skills at six months and directly after training
There is an association between the increase in the proportion of people trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the increase in the proportion of patients who receive CPR before the arrival of the emergency medical service (EMS) [3]
Summary
Education in basic life support (BLS) for laymen (non-healthcare professionals) includes a theoretical knowledge of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and first and foremost training in the practical skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The Swedish National Stroke Campaign (strokekampanjen.se, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) increased the public awareness of symptoms, how to identify and call 112 when a victim suffered a stroke, both directly after the campaign and nine months after the campaign This knowledge decreased after 21 months [9, 10]. Effective education in basic life support (BLS) may improve the early initiation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillation (CPR-AED)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
