Retention of basic life support skills 6 months after training with an automated voice advisory manikin system without instructor involvement.

Full Abstract

AIM:
To evaluate the retention of skills 6 months after training in ventilation and chest compressions (CPR) on a manikin with computer based on-line voice advisory feedback and the possible effects of initial overtraining.

METHODS:
Thirty five volunteers had 20 min provisional CPR training on a manikin with computer based voice advisory feedback but without an instructor. The appropriate feedback was taken from a pre-recorded list depending on performance measured by the manikin--computer system versus set limits for ventilation and compression variables. One group in addition was randomised to receive 10 similar 3 min training sessions during 1 week in the following month (overtrained group). All ventilation and compression variables were measured without feedback before and after the initial training session, with feedback immediately thereafter, and both without and with feedback 6 months after the initial training session.

RESULTS:
The initial training improved all variables. Compressions with correct depth increased from a mean of 33 to 77%, and correct inflations from a mean of 9 to 58%. After 6 months, the results for the controls were not significantly different from pre-training, except for a higher of correct inflations (18%), while the overtrained group had better retention of skills including the correct compression depth (mean 61%) and inflations (mean 42%). When verbal feedback was added both the compressions and ventilations immediately improved both when tested immediately and 6 months after the initial training session.

CONCLUSIONS:
The computer-based voice advisory manikin (VAM) feedback system can improve immediate performance of basic life support (BLS) skills, with better long-term retention with overtraining.

Learn Faster Today Improve your study skills

Author information

Author/s: Wik, Lars (L); Myklebust, Helge (H); Auestad, Bjørn H (BH); Steen, Petter A (PA);

Affiliation: National Centre of Competence in Emergency Medicine, Ulleval University Hospital, Kirkevn 166, N-0407, Oslo, Norway. lars@nakos.org

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Resuscitation (Resuscitation), published in Ireland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Mar; vol 52 (issue 3) : pp 273-9

Dates: Created 2002/03/11; Completed 2002/05/14; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 11886733, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article (including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.

MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

This article has not been indexed for related articles as yet, however you can still use the live related article search links below.

See 100+ related articles.