Comparison Between Self-Deliberate Practice and Directed Learning Training Methods for Basic Life Support Knowledge and High-Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skill Retention in Second-Year Medical Students 3 and 6 Months After Training

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requires well-trained medical personnel. Multiple learning methods can be done for CPR skills training. This study aimed to compare self-deliberate practice (SDP) method and directed learning (DL) method to improve basic life support (BLS) knowledge and CPR skill performance in medical students. Methods: This is an experimental, single-blind, randomized controlled trial study of 40 medical students from February to July 2019. Forty subjects were randomly assigned into SDP and DL groups through a voluntary sampling method. Both groups attended a 1-day course and then practiced once a month for 3 months. The DL group had practice sessions with assigned tutors, while the SDP group had to practice by themselves. Examination of BLS knowledge and CPR performance quality (compression depth, rate, and performance score) was collected before and after course lecture, after a skills training, 3 and 6 months after training. Results: Subject characteristics of both groups were comparable. Significant knowledge and skill improvement were found in the DL group and the SDP group when compared to their knowledge and skill before training. There were no significant differences between both groups in BLS knowledge and CPR performance quality in all examination periods. Conclusion: Both SDP and DL teaching methods show significant improvement and excellent retention in BLS knowledge and high-quality CPR performance. These two learning methods are both feasible and bring positive results for students.