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Research shows no significant difference in the pass rates between peer led and expert led CPR training. This underscores the potential of peer-led training to be used alongside learning led by experts, specifically to accommodate larger cohorts.
Resuscitation training is a critical component of medical education and emergency response. The effectiveness of these training methodologies directly impacts the survival rates of patients suffering from cardiac arrest. As such, exploring the efficacy of different types of training, specifically peer-led and expert-led, is a crucial step for all CPR trainers and organisations.
The purpose of this article is to explore the comparative effectiveness of peer-led versus expert-led resuscitation training. We aim to evaluate how different training methodologies influence learning outcomes and skill acquisition. By examining these two approaches, we hope to shed light on what works best for skill acquisition in resuscitation training.
Comparative Effectiveness of Peer-Led and Expert-Led Resuscitation Training
A Comparison in Pass Rates
A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine compared the pass rates between medical students who underwent peer-led resuscitation training and those who received expert-led training.
The results showed no significant differences in pass rates between the two groups, indicating that both methodologies are equally effective in imparting the necessary skills for resuscitation. This finding underscores the potential of peer-led training to be used alongside learning led by experts, specifically to accommodate larger cohorts.
A Boost in Confidence
Confidence is a critical element in delivering CPR skills, and it’s something we’ve touched on in a previous article with regard to bystanders. When it comes to clinical professionals, first responders or emergency services teams, the importance of confident and decisive action is often even greater.
To that end, a study conducted in 2020 found that, among paediatric resuscitation trainees, self-efficacy did not suffer for those having received peer-led training. The randomised controlled trial found that theoretical education and instructor feedback were equally valued in both groups and that the peer-led cohort did not experience lower rates of compliance, further highlighting the effectiveness of peer-led resuscitation training in support of expert-led learning.
Knowledge Acquisition and Performance
Research carried out on healthcare students by the Department of Intensive Care Medicine at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital examined the performance of 122 first-year medical, dental, nursing and physiotherapy students. It randomised the cohort to receive BLS tuition from either second-year student instructors or from experienced clinical staff.
The findings displayed that when students’ practical skills, knowledge and satisfaction were tested at the end of the course, peer-led resuscitation training was equally as effective as expert-led training. Indeed, the research suggested that the re-deployment of clinical tutors from basic to more advanced training may allow for the overall enhancement of undergraduate resuscitation and critical care training.
The Effectiveness of Peer-Led Tutoring Across Demographics
Previously, we’ve discussed the importance of teaching CPR to children, highlighting skill retention, confidence, and the advantages of strengthening junior BLS. Studies have found that these benefits extend into high-school children, with no significant difference in willingness to perform CPR or BLS knowledge retention after three months.
While further research is needed to evaluate fully the results of the 187 female students who took part indicates that peer-led learning can effectively complement expert-led education.
A Cost-Effective Alternative
Peer-led CPR training has demonstrated financial advantages in various settings. A cost-effective analysis of workplace-based distributed CPR training suggested that this method can be equally as effective and less costly than conventional methods. Moreover, an investigation into peer education for BLS training in schools indicated that this approach could potentially reduce costs while improving students’ learning.
Reduced expenditure on CPR training methods, without sacrificing efficacy, means greater financial capital to reinvest in other areas such as equipment, facilities, staffing and more. It also allows experts to supervise and manage larger cohorts. In wider-reaching institutions throughout the medical sector, this represents invaluable support to expert trainers, increasing uptake and broadening the potential reach of BLS training.
The Impact on Expert Tutors
The advantages of using peer-led tutoring in conjunction with expert-led training go beyond positive results for students. A study conducted by Buckley and Zamora, published in BMC Medical Education, found that peer tutoring programmes held a multitude of benefits for both learners and tutors.
The research found compelling evidence of notable improvements in expert tutors’ clinical examination skills, which is crucial for competency in the healthcare field. The process of teaching others appeared to reinforce the tutors’ own understanding and mastery of their skill sets, enhancing their confidence and proficiency.
Inspiring a Change in Attitude
Beyond just the acquisition of technical abilities, the study also observed an enhancement to the tutors’ attitudes towards teaching and learning, indicating that one of the benefits of peer-led training might be fostering a more positive and proactive mindset within an organisation.
Managing Larger Cohorts
As mentioned above, by engaging with the potential of peer-led training, expert CPR instructors can manage larger cohorts without sacrificing efficacy and skill retention. With the evidence cited showing that peer-led training is a viable counterpart to that conducted by experts, the potential for wider-reaching BLS training is significant.
Enhance Your Training with Brayden Manikins
Whether opting for a peer-led or expert-led model of training, ensuring you have the right equipment to provide the best possible results is a crucial step. Our extensive range of feature-rich CPR training manikins are realistic, easy to use and interactive.
The Brayden Advanced range, with its innovative and intuitive LED blood-flow display, learners can assess their technique immediately, leading to better skill development and retention. Furthermore, the Brayden Pro range of manikins used in conjunction with the Brayden Online App, students, trainers and managers can offer effective objective real-time feedback and thorough numeric debriefing of performance to help CPR skills improvement.
You can find out more information about our Adult, Junior and Baby Advanced and Pro range of manikins here or reach out to us for more information.
