Effect of Interactive Computer Based and Traditional Instructor-Led Based Training of Basic Life Support Programs among Healthcare Providers

Abstract

Background: Basic Life Support is a specialized training program which enables the healthcare workers to refresh their knowledge & skills for having up-to-minute information in this regard. This life saving skill training is evolving with introduction of new technological advances in teaching of healthcare personnel. It is not possible for the trainers to remain isolated from using the new training methods of such life-saving emergency care. Therefore, it was necessary to evaluate the current methods for Basic Life Support training for nurses with interactive computer-based training. Objective: To evaluate the effects of interactive computer based training and traditional instructor-Led based training of (BLS) among nurses. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Settings & Duration: Study was conducted in Lahore School of Nursing (LSN), University of Lahore for a period of nine months. Methodology: Eighty-four practicing nurses were enrolled in the study & two interventional groups were made having forty-two practicing nurses in each group. One group was traditional and other was computer based. Information obtained directly from participants. Twenty-five multiple item questionnaire & checklists were used according to the guidelines of American Heart Association. Data analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Results: The mean value of pre computer and pre traditional knowledge score was 9.26± 3.891 and 11 ±4 .708, with mean difference, p-value= 0.000(<0.05). The mean value of pre computer and post computer knowledge score was 9.26± 3.891 and 20.11 ± 5.454, with mean difference, p-value= 0.000 (<0.05). The mean value of pre traditional and post traditional knowledge score was 11.12± 4.708 and 22.76 ± 2.216, with mean difference, p-value= 0.000 (<0.05). The mean value of Post computer and post Traditional knowledge score was 20.11± 5.454 and 22.76 ± 2.216, with mean difference, p-value= 0.011 (< 0.05). Conclusion: Both interventional groups were helpful for acquiring or improving the knowledge and skills of Basic Life Support but the traditional instructor-led based training programs were more effective than computer-based training program.