How to evaluate first aid skills after training: a systematic review

Abstract

Background To be able to help and save lives, laypersons are recommended to undergo first aid trainings. The aim of this review was to explore the variety of the elements of the measuring systems to assess the effects of first aid trainings on different aspects of first aid skills including practical skills, knowledge, and emotional perspectives. Methods This systematic literature review used Scopus and PubMed databases and searched for studies published between January, 2000, and December, 2020. Out of 2,162 studies meeting the search criteria, 15 studies with quantitative and repeatable evaluation methods to assess first aid skills after first aid training for adults were included in the final analysis. Results Practical skills, especially on the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an automated external defibrillator, were the most studied first aid skills after first aid training. This evaluation was based on several standardized measurements and assessed often with the help of a combination of resuscitation manikin and observer. Evaluation methods of performance in other emergency situations are not well standardized. Questionnaires used to assess knowledge of first aid, though seemingly based on guidelines, were also not standardized, either. Emotional aspects of first aid (willingness or self-confidence) were evaluated by highly simplified questionnaires, and answers were graded by five-point Likert scale. Conclusion According to our review, the focus of evaluation methods after first aid training has been on practical skills and especially on CPR. Though the evaluation of first-aid knowledge seems to be straightforward, it is not performed systematically. Evaluation methods for emotional aspects are highly simplified. Overall, standardized measurements and evaluation methods to assess all aspects of first aid skills are needed.

The Role of a First Aid Training Program for Young Children: A Systematic Review

“…Resuscitation training manikins are widely used to assess the efficiency of BLS skills (CPR/AED). This finding agrees with Minna et al [ 25 ], who found that the most commonly first aid skills after first aid training were practical skills, specifically the ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator. This assessment was based on several standardized measurements and was frequently performed with the assistance of a resuscitation manikin and an observer.…”

Detection and Evaluation for High-Quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Based on a Three-Dimensional Motion Capture System: A Feasibility Study

“…The current approach mainly relies on instructors' visual assessments [26]. They often provide a holistic evaluation by checklist, generalizing the overall compression postures throughout the entire process without specifying each compression [27,28]. Through the comparison of five sets of data within individuals, we found significant statistical differences, indicating that each performance varied over time during CPR operations for each person.…”

The Effects of Serious Games on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training and Education: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…This involves maintaining the correct compression rate and depth, ensuring thoracic recoil, and minimizing interruptions and hyperventilation. However, traditional training methods have presented challenges, particularly for nonmedical personnel [ 52 , 53 ], in mastering these vital competencies. Previous studies [ 52 , 54 ] have noted that simulated scenarios and repetitive practice often fall short of achieving adequate compression depth and frequency.…”