A summative assessment of theoretical and practical competencies in BLS-AED-An empirical research methodology to obtain quantitative results

Abstract

Background and objective: The evaluation in basic life support (BLS) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training courses is mostly formative. The objective of the study was to evaluate a quantitative assessment with an established cut-off level of 7 out of 10.Methods: The course was designed in accordance with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). For the evaluation a high-fidelity manikin was available (Laerdal® Resusci Anne QCPR). A multiple-choice questionnaire (MCQ) was used to test knowledge, and the practical skills with a high-fidelity manikin.Results: About 68.2% and 34.1% obtained a score greater than 7 in knowledge and skills as evaluated by the nurse educator, immediately after the training. When the skills illustrated by the manikin were included, the results fell to 11.4% and 2.3%, respectively.Conclusions: A summative assessment of theoretical and practical competencies with a cut-off level of 7 demonstrates that global competency in BLS-AED is not achieved and some other strategies should be introduced in the current courses.