Training of Basic Life Support Among Lay Undergraduates: Development and Implementation of an Evidence-Based Protocol

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an important method to improve the prognosis of patients with prehospital cardiac arrest (CA). Basic life support (BLS) is the first step in CPR and is usually performed by the first witness. However, the general population has poor BLS skills due to the lack of efficient and practical training strategy. Several training initiatives could be used to improve this situation, and the challenge is to find the most efficient one in detail according to the actual setting. Repeated and effective BLS training increase bystander’s confidence and willingness to perform BLS. Evidence-based instructional design is essential to improve the training of lay providers and ultimately improve resuscitation performance and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: 1) To develop an evidence-based BLS training protocol for lay undergraduates; 2) to implement the protocol and 3) to evaluate the process of implementation. METHODS: Nine databases were searched to synthesize the best evidence. A protocol was formed by ranking evidence and considering university setting and students’ preferences. We implemented this training protocol and evaluated its effects. RESULTS: We achieved the three aims above. A total of 120 lay undergraduates received BLS training and retraining within 3 months. The students and teaching staff were satisfied with the training protocol and effect. The BLS training process was more clearly defined. The role of teaching assistants and the strategies to sustain training quality was proven to be crucial to the project’s success. CONCLUSION: The development and implementation of an evidence-based protocol could elevate undergraduates’ BLS skill and confidence.