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I am constantly looking at opportunities to maximise both cost and time efficiencies in our programs, while maintaining the highest standards in both educational delivery and outcomes.
Sylvain Haekens
Head of Training and Development at Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, BelgiumThe recent Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting backlog of Basic Life Support (BLS) training is reportedly putting increasing pressure on training departments that are struggling to meet their BLS certification compliance targets. This article looks at the Brayden Online system and how through close collaboration with resuscitation educators and instructors, Self Directed Learning (SDL) BLS training is now enabling high quality training and assessment for a high throughput of trainees that is both cost and time efficient.
Self-directed learning is not a new pedagogical approach in healthcare education having successfully been employed in a wide variety of training programs across multiple clinical disciplines and related curricula. However, the teaching of Basic Life Support through SDL has presented some unique challenges to the clinical community. It has been suggested that theoretical eLearning programs combined with practical CPR skills training have not yet convincingly proven to be consistent quality training experiences, whilst subscription costs and reduced management controls for the instructor in some systems have also been seen as prohibitive factors.
Commenting on the issues of integrating SDL systems into BLS training, Kevin Mackie, Lead for Education at Resuscitation Council UK said, ‘We have steered away from SDL training through sole use of eLearning
because the muscle memory of practicing CPR skills on a manikin is actually much more important than knowing the theory. The approach we are looking at here is blended learning, which must include a practical, hands-on component. Instructors can direct their trainees to extensive eLearning resources to cover BLS theory; resources which are now highly engaging and immersive e.g. Healthcare Education England, E-Learning for Healthcare (eLFH). Once completed, trainees can then practice on a manikin at a time convenient to them. A good SDL system gives the student easy to interpret, real-time feedback on their performance allowing them to make instant improvements to the quality of their CPR. They can then progress to an assessment that provides full debrief metrics, if successful, this sends a certificate
direct to their email and the organisation’s LMS (Learning Management System) – all in one simple, streamlined process.’