Basic life support instructor training: comparison of instructor-led and self-guided training.

In this randomized trial, the authors compared the instructional quality of instructor candidates trained in instructional methods through an Internet-based versus a traditional classroom-led version of the American Heart Association Core Instructor Course. The self-guided, Internet-based group had significantly higher posttest scores than did the traditional instructor-led group (although not when adjusted for pretest scores). The Internet-based group scores changed from 54% to 67%, exceeding the a priori definition of 8% as a minimally practically significant improvement (instructor-led group scores changed from 49% to 53%).

With or without an instructor, brief exposure to CPR training produces significant attitude change.

Background: A common reason for bystanders' failure to perform CPR in real or hypothetical situations is their lack of confidence in themselves. CPR self-training, which uses learner-operated virtual media rather than a live instructor, has not been assessed for its ability to influence learners' attitudes toward performing CPR in a real emergency. The aim of this study was to compare attitude effects associated with traditional, live instruction versus self-training or no instruction.

Assessment of BLS skills: optimizing use of instructor and manikin measures.

Background: The primary objective of layperson CPR training is to ensure that learners achieve minimal competence to provide aid that improves the odds of survival of victims of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. During CPR courses, pronouncement of a learner's competence typically depends entirely on judgments made by an instructor; yet previous research strongly suggests that these judgments - particularly of chest compressions - are not sufficiently precise or accurate to ensure valid assessments. Comparisons of instructors' subjective assessments with objective data from recording manikins provide one means of understanding the magnitude and type of instructor errors in assessment.

Retention of CPR skills learned in a traditional AHA Heartsaver course versus 30-min video self-training: a controlled randomized study.

Background: Bystander CPR improves outcomes after out of hospital cardiac arrest. The length of current 4-h classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a barrier to more widespread dissemination of CPR training and older adults in particular are underrepresented in traditional classes. Training with a brief video self-instruction (VSI) program has shown that this type of training can produce short-term skill performance at least as good as that seen with traditional American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver training, although it is unclear whether there is comparable skill retention.

Effectiveness of a 30-min CPR self-instruction program for lay responders: a controlled randomized study.

Background: The length of current 4-h classes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a barrier to widespread dissemination of CPR training. The effectiveness of video-based self-instruction (VSI) has been demonstrated in several studies; however, the effectiveness of this method with older adults is not certain. Although older adults are most likely to witness out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, these potential rescuers are underrepresented in traditional classes.

Assessing youth/adult partnerships: the Seven Circles (AK) experience.

Seven Circles is a substance abuse prevention coalition in Southeast Alaska with a two-tiered structure consisting of local partnerships joined together in a regional coalition. Seven Circles incorporates a youth/adult partnership approach to accomplish its activities. This article describes the results of four annual administrations of a partnership member survey designed to assess the development and implementation of youth/adult partnerships in the local projects, assess the value of the partnerships to the participants, and gather feedback about the functioning of the Seven Circles Coalition.