Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training strategies in the times of COVID-19: a systematic literature review comparing different training methodologies

Abstract

Background Traditional, instructor led, in-person training of CPR skills has become more challenging due to COVID-19 pandemic. We compared the learning outcomes of standard in-person CPR training (ST) with alternative methods of training such as hybrid or online-only training (AT) on CPR performance, quality, and knowledge among laypersons with no previous CPR training. Methods We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant articles from January 1995 to May 2020. Covidence was used to review articles by two independent researchers. Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess quality of the manuscripts. Results Of the 978 articles screened, twenty met the final inclusion criteria. All included studies had an experimental design and moderate to strong global quality rating. The trainees in ST group performed better on calling 911, time to initiate chest compressions, hand placement and chest compression depth. Trainees in AT group performed better in assessing scene safety, calling for help, response time including initiating first rescue breathing, adequate ventilation volume, compression rates, shorter hands-off time, confidence, willingness to perform CPR, ability to follow CPR algorithm, and equivalent or better knowledge retention than standard teaching methodology. Conclusion AT methods of CPR training provide an effective alternative to the standard in-person CPR for large scale public training.

Open online courses on basic life support: Availability and resuscitation guidelines compliance

“…Online learning in resuscitation is effective in improving knowledge, self-confidence and willingness to perform CPR [ [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] ]. When paired with hands-on practice, web-based self-instruction may develop psychomotor skills as effectively as through instructor-led Basic Life Support (BLS) courses [ 17 , 20 ]. Online courses could also be a part of blended learning programs, thus decreasing burden to instructors and reducing costs of training [ 16 , 21 ], and offer other advantages, including safety, learning autonomy, flexibility, comfort, time savings and standardized delivery of training content [ 22 , 23 ].…”

Observational study on implications of the COVID-19-pandemic for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: qualitative and quantitative insights from a model region in Germany

“…Birkun demonstrated a motivating effect of distance learning via a massive open online course regarding willingness to provide CPR, and a considerable increase in course registrations for this online course format [ 28 ]. Ali and colleagues systematically reviewed different CPR training strategies, including online-only-delivery, a feasible fallback-option when face-to-face training is not possible [ 29 ]. Virtual reality CPR training applications are increasingly being developed and made publicly available, facilitating low-budget-high-fidelity virtual training at home.…”

Japanese medical students’ awareness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…It is therefore reasonable for the faculty at medical schools to implement a new curriculum for CPR procedure in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic in each school, as there is presently no national medical education curriculum for this new procedure. 13 , 14 …”