The effectiveness of basic life support training on nursing students' knowledge and basic life support practices: a non-randomized quasi-experimental design

Background: Provision of up-to-date information and skills training related to basic life support practices is very important for nursing students' professional development and practitioner and education related roles. Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of basic life support training on knowledge and practices among nursing students. Methods: A non-randomized quasi-experimental design (one group pre-test-post-test) was used in this study. The study was conducted in the laboratory of an undergraduate nursing school. The sample consisted of a convenience sample of 1st-year students enrolled in the undergraduate nursing class. The study sample consisted of 65 nursing students. Basic life support training included both theoretical and practical components. The students' knowledge and practices were assessed before basic life support training. Data were collected using the knowledge assessment questionnaire. The practical skills for basic life support were observed and assessed using a checklist. The pre- and post-assessment practice scores were compared. Results: After basic life support training, level of knowledge and practical skill scores were higher compared to pre-training scores (t=-12.442, p=0.000; t=-22.899, p=0.000). There was a significant and moderate association between the adult basic life support knowledge form scores and the adult basic life support practice assessment form scores obtained after the training (r = 0.39, p<0.01). Conclusion: The study showed that basic life support training improved knowledge and skills related to basic life support practices in nursing students. Periodic basic life support training is very important for competency in this area among nursing students.