Long-term benefits of chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation training using real-time visual feedback Manikins: A randomized simulation study

Objective Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education with a feedback device is known to result in better CPR skills compared to one without the feedback device. However, its long-term benefits have not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term CPR skill retention after training using real-time visual manikins in comparison to that of non-feed-back manikins. Methods We recruited 120 general university students who were randomly divided into the re-al-time feedback group (RTFG) and the non-feedback group. Of them, 95 (RTFG, 48; non-feed-back group, 47) attended basic life support and automated external defibrillation training for 1 hour. For comparison of retention of CPR skills, the two groups were evaluated based on 2-min-ute chest compression performed immediately after training and at 3, 6, and 9 months. The CPR parameters between the two groups were also compared using a generalized linear model. Results At immediately after training, the performance of RTFG was better in terms of average chest compression depth (51.9± 1.1 vs. 45.5± 1.1, p<0.001) and a higher percentage of ade-quate chest compression depth (51.0± 4.1 vs. 26.9± 4.2, p<0.001). This significant difference was maintained until 6 months after training, but there was no difference at 9 months after training. However, there was no significant difference in the chest compression rate and the cor-rect hand position at any time point. Conclusion CPR training with a real-time visual feedback manikin improved skill acquisition in chest compression depth, but only until 6 months after the training. It could be a more effective educational method for basic life support training in laypersons.