Teaching basic life support algorithms by either multimedia presentations or case based discussion equally improves the level of cognitive skills of undergraduate medical students

Abstract

Background: There is no evidence on the best method for teaching Basic Life Support (BLS).

Aims: To compare two methods for teaching BLS, assessing the level of cognitive skills.

Methods: Randomized, prospective study including 68 medical students. BLS algorithms were taught for 60 minutes using either a multimedia presentation (Group I, n = 34) or case based discussion (Group II, n = 34). Assessments included a scenario-based quiz test and an error-pinpointing video, which the students completed before (T1) and after (T2) teaching. Comparisons between both groups were made on scores of the assessments, actual increases in scores (final value–initial value) and score gains (actual increase/potential increase).

Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in any of the recorded scores. Both groups improved their T2 scores (p values <0.001). The actual increases in scores and the score gains were similar in both groups. Test scores improved in 55.9% of students in Group I and 58.8% in Group II; video scores improved in 85.3% of Group I and in 82.3% of Group II.

Conclusions: BLS teaching by either multimedia presentations or case based discussion equally improves the level of cognitive skills among medical students.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Enrique Carrero

ENRIQUE CARRERO, MD is anaesthesiologist and certified ERC ALS instructor.

Carmen Gomar

CARMEN GOMAR, MD, PhD is Professor of Anaesthesiology and Director of the Skills Laboratory of The Medical School of the University of Barcelona.

Wilma Penzo

WILMA PENZO, MD, PhD is Professor of Psychology and Expert in Medical Education.

Neus Fábregas

NEUS FABREGAS, MD, PhD is Professor of Anaesthesiology and certified ERC ALS instructor.

Ricard Valero

RICARD VALERO, MD, PhD is Professor of Anaesthesiology, certified ERC ALS instructor and Director of the Course of Simulation for Organ Donor Coordinators.

Gerard Sánchez-Etayo

GERARD SANCHEZ-ETAYO is anaesthesiologist and certified ERC ALS instructor.