Enhancing ACLS training effects through video-assisted boosting methods: A comparative analysis of self-simulation and model simulation videos

Aims: To assess the impact of learner-participation and instructor-led simulation videos on nurses' CPR skills, focusing on iterative learning to boost proficiency in ACLS. Background: Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) training is crucial for nurses, especially to improve cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) proficiency, for which an effective training strategy is needed. Design: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was implemented to assess the impact of self-simulation and model simulation videos on sustaining CPR education. Methods: The research was carried out at a university hospital in Korea from August 2021 to July 2022. A total of 110 nurses were allocated into three groups based on the building of their workplace in the hospital. Each group watched training videos at 4-month intervals after the simulation training. The self-video group viewed simulations featuring their participation, while the model video group watched instructor-led simulations. A comparison group participated in the simulations without subsequent video boosting. Results: Both the self-video and model video groups exhibited significantly superior ACLS performance compatred with the comparison group at both four months (H = 70.33, p <.001) and eight months (H = 81.52, p <.001) following the intervention, with large effect sizes (self-video vs. comparison: d = 4.73 at four months, d = 12.54 at eight months; model video vs. comparison: d = 4.53 at four months, d = 11.01 at eight months). ACLS knowledge scores also significantly increased over time in both intervention groups (self-video: chi(2) = 22.09, p <.001; model video: chi(2) = 24.13, p <.001), but not in the comparison group (chi(2) = 3.75, p =.153). There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of CPR self-efficacy or stress at either time point. Conclusion: Supplementary training using simulation videos is an effective method for maintaining and enhancing nurses' ACLS competency, offering a sustainable approach to repetitive CPR training. This study underscores the value of incorporating recorded simulation videos in clinical training, offering insights into efficient methods for continuous learning and CPR proficiency among nursing professionals.