Effectiveness of Basic Life Support (BLS) Training Program for Undergraduate Nursing Students, Thailand

Objectives: This study aimed at examining the outcomes of Basic Life Support  (BLS) training program on knowledge,  self-efficacy and performance of BLS.

Methods: A one group pretest-posttest design was conducted. The participants were 180 fourth year nursing students in academic year 2011, Ramathibodi school of nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. One day of BLS training program was performed. Measuring outcomes were done by using the Thai Resuscitation foundation test for BLS knowledge for healthcare providers (25 items), self-efficacy of BLS (18 items), and accuracy of chest compression recommended by AHA guideline 2010.

Results: The mean number of correct answer in posttest was 22.51+1.79 as compared to 14.64+2.58 in pretest. The mean difference was 7.87+2.65 (p < 0.001, 95% CI). The percentage of self-efficacy of BLS in posttest was 1461.75+195.77 compared to 773.83+308.33 in pretest. The mean difference of the self efficacy of BLS was 687.92+112.56 (p < 0.001, 95% CI). The percent accuracy of hand placement was 72.2. The percent adequacy of depth (5 cm) was 90. The percent adequacy of rate (> 100 times/ min) was 98.9. The percentage of fully recoil compression was 77.8.

Conclusion: One day BLS training program was beneficial to improve outcomes of knowledge and self-efficacy of BLS. This program could improve effectiveness of chest compression. Therefore, one day BLS training program should be promoted to nursing students in undergraduate level to minimize early morbidity and mortality from cardiac arrest.