Animation-assisted CPRII program as a reminder tool in achieving effective one-person-CPR performance

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to compare the skill retention of two groups of lay persons, six months after their last CPR training. The intervention group was provided with animation-assisted CPRII (AA-CPRII) instruction on their cellular phones, and the control group had nothing but what they learned from their previous training.MethodsThis study was a single blind randomized controlled trial. The participants’ last CPR trainings were held at least six months ago. We revised our CPR animation for on-site CPR instruction content emphasizing importance of chest compression. Participants were randomized into two groups, the AA-CPRII group (n = 42) and the control group (n = 38). Both groups performed three cycles of CPR and their performances were video recorded. These video clips were assessed by three evaluators using a checklist. The psychomotor skills were evaluated using the Resusci®Anne SkillReporter™.ResultsUsing the 30-point scoring checklist, the AA-CPRII group had a significantly better score compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Psychomotor skills evaluated with the AA-CPRII group demonstrated better performance in hand positioning (p = 0.025), compression depth (p = 0.035) and compression rate (p < 0.001) than the control group.ConclusionThe AA-CPRII group resulted in better checklist scores, including chest compression rate, depth and hand positioning. Animation-assisted CPR could be used as a reminder tool in achieving effective one-person-CPR performance. By installing the CPR instruction on cellular phones and having taught them CPR with it during the training enabled participants to perform better CPR.