Effectiveness of simulation-based paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation training program among nursing students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to adopt a simulation-based advanced cardiac life support training program to assess nursing students' level of knowledge and practice regarding paediatric advanced cardiac life support and to identify the major knowledge and practice gaps. The methods used in this study were pre-experimental, one group pre and post-test investigation. This study was conducted between September 2022 and November 2022, at the University College of Farasan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Quantitative data were obtained using the “Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation Knowledge Questionnaire”, “Students’ Satisfaction and Self-Confidence Scale,” and the “CPR Skill Checklist,” which were applied to 75 participants in focus groups. Before the simulation-based CPR training, the students' mean pre-test Paediatric CPR knowledge score was 6.5±2.3 out of 42.0. After the simulation, the mean post-test CPR knowledge score (38.1±2.9) considerably improved (p 0.05). The mean post-test CPR skills score (44.7±1.2) was also considerably higher than the mean pre-test CPR skills score (11.4±2.8) at (p 0.05). Additionally, after the simulation training, students' happiness and confidence levels (61.9±2.2) greatly increased. Themes from the qualitative data showed that the simulation was viewed as an engaging and effective teaching tool by the students. Two themes emerged from the study: "Worries before simulation" and "Satisfaction after simulation". Simulation-based paediatric cardio Pulmonary resuscitation training program has raised nursing students’ level of expertise in knowledge, performance, and self-efficacy. Additionally, strong satisfaction and self-confidence levels were discovered following the simulation training. (Afr J Reprod Health 2024; 28 [1]: 39-52).