Effectiveness of basic life support training in improving the knowledge and skills among medical and dental students

Abstract

Background and Aim: The knowledge and skills about Basic Life Support (BLS) is the most important determining factor of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) success rates. This study was conducted on BLS skills to assess the effects of pre training evaluation followed by post training evaluation and retention of knowledge after six months among medical and dental students. Materials and Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted by assessing the responses of 20 basic questions regarding Basic Life Support prepared from BLS 2015 AHA Guideline. Total number of 300 respondents were selected for the survey which included 200 medical and 100 dental students. The assessment of the knowledge of the students was done in three phases in the form of (pre test) performance in pre training evaluation, immediately after training (post test) and at follow up after six months (retention test). The data was analysed and expressed as mean, standard deviation and percentage. T test were used for statistical analysis and P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Among Medical students the average score in pre test was 56.92+18.90%, in post test the score was 80.87+17.97%, and in retention test the score was 72.45+17.85%. Among Dental students the average score in pre test was 50.40+16.34%, in post test the score was 67.70+15.75%, and in retention test the score was 59.45+15.96%. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Conclusion:The knowledge of BLS before training was inadequate. The present BLS training programme was effective in enhancing the knowledge of resuscitation among the students. To enhance the retention power time to time retraining by working on mannequins to practice and perfect their skills is highly recommended for the students.