Impact of virtual problem-based learning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation on fourth-year nursing students' satisfaction and performance: a quasi-experimental study

Background Regarding competency of nursing students in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), nursing students frequently exhibit inadequate performance and low satisfaction levels regarding CPR training methods. The problem-based learning (PBL) method, characterized by a constructivist approach, has been underutilized for CPR training, particularly in a virtual format. Hence, this study aims to assess the influence of virtual problem-based learning in cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the satisfaction and performance of fourth-year nursing students. Methods This quasi-experimental study, conducted in 2022, involved 80 final-year nursing students from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (N = 40) or the control group (N = 40). The experimental group was further divided into six smaller groups on WhatsApp. Both groups initially received routine training sessions, after which the experimental group engaged in four problem-based learning sessions across three different scenarios. Data collection included demographic information, a teaching satisfaction questionnaire, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation checklists administered immediately and one month after the intervention. Results The study was initiated and concluded with 80 participants. The study commenced with no significant disparity in the mean scores of cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance, encompassing chest compressions (P = 0.451) and airway management (P = 0.378), as well as teaching satisfaction (p = 0.115) among the nursing students between the experimental and control groups. However, subsequent to the intervention, both immediately and one month later, the experimental group displayed notable enhancements in mean scores for cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance, comprising chest compressions (p < 0.001) and airway management (p < 0.001), as well as teaching satisfaction (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion Based on the study's findings, it is recommended that nursing educators implement this approach in their teaching practices.