An Evaluation of Peer-led basic life support training course compared with professional-led course in a limited resource environment; A randomized controlled trial
Peer training has been identified as a useful tool for delivering undergraduate training in basic life support (BLS) which is fundamental as an initial response in cases of emergency. This study aimed to (1) Evaluate the efficacy of peer-led model in basic life support training among medical students in their first three years of study, compared to professional-led training and (2) To assess the efficacy of the course program and students' satisfaction of peer-led training. A randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors will be conducted on 72 medical students from the pre-clinical years (1st to 3rd years in Syria) at Syrian Private University. Students will be randomly assigned to peer-led or to professional-led training group for one-day-course of basic life support skills. Analysis will be done on students who underwent checklist based assessment using objective structured clinical examination design (OSCE) (practical assessment of BLS skills) and answered BLS knowledge checkpoint-questionnaire.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
72
A course design was made to be consistent with ERC guidelines with local modifications made by emergency professionals in duration, instructor-to-trainee ratio, course materials, methods to deliver these materials theoretically, and the type of the manikin used to practice CPR. One-day-course consisting of 75, 20, 20, 20 minutes for theoretical BLS, chocking, recovery position, the practical representation of BLS scenario respectively followed by 40-minute practical training on BLS skills for each subgroup. Both arms of the study follow the same timeline and no extra time is given to any group. Same manikins were used for the training and the assessment. On the day of the experiment students in each arm are divided into 4 subgroups of maximum 9 students, each led by two trainers of BLS skills with a maximum ratio of 2 instructors to 9 students per group.
BLS practical skills
A practical simulated scenario assessment using a checklist based evaluation in objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) design. The checklist is constructed in accordance to European resuscitation council (ERC) guideline. Students should perform each point correctly to pass the assessment (1- Safe approach, 2- call for help, 3- opening airway, 4-checking cardiopulmonary situation, 5- call ambulance, 6- CPR with effective depth, 7-rate and 8-position, 9-rescue breaths).
Time frame: Training and assessment were held at the same day of the experiment for both groups, 1) within 24 hours of providing the bls training course.
BLS knowledge questionnaire
a 20-item questionnaire with 3 checkpoints per item (60-point-scale) derived from ERC materials after testing the applicability of the questionnaire by a pilot study.
Time frame: Training and assessment were held at the same day of the experiment for both groups. 1) within 24 hours of providing the bls training course.
Students' evaluation of BLS course survey
Students' reported outcomes using American Heart Association (AHA) survey of BLS course evaluation. This survey aims to investigate students' satisfaction and their opinions about the course.
Time frame: Training and assessment were held at the same day of the experiment for both groups. 1) within 24 hours of providing the bls training course.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.