Effects of different types of feedback on cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills among nursing students–a pilot study

Background: During the last 20 years there have been different approaches to teaching nurse students cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Receiving CPR with compressions of adequate depth and frequency, and ventilations of adequate volume improves the chance of survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of different types of feedback on CPR skills among nursing students. Methods: A pilot study with an explorative approach including 30 nurse students. Students was randomized in three groups; 1) instructor-led training followed by self-training without feedback, 2) self-training with visual graphic feedback, and 3) self-training with voice advisory manikin (VAM). Outcomes were correct compression deep, frequency, hand position and release, and correct ventilation volume and flow. If performance was correct to 70%, students were considered to have reached approved level. The students also answered questions about theoretical knowledge about CPR. Results: In technical skills, group 2 had significant higher level of correct ventilation volume compared with the other group. Both group 1 and 3 did not reach the level of 70% correct performance. Group 1 and 2 had significant higher level of correct deep of compressions compared with group 3 which did not reach the 70% level. There was no difference in performance between groups in other parameters. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that visual graphic feedback is promising and seemed to be more effective than self-training with voice advisory manikin and instructor-led training with followed self-training without feedback.