Comparative pilot study: Traditional classroom vs. simulation-based training for CPR knowledge and skill acquisition among nursing students in Dharwad, Karnataka

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of traditional classroom training vs. simulation-based training on knowledge and skill acquisition regarding CPR among nursing students: a comparative study in selected nursing colleges of Dharwad, Karnataka. Methods: Pilot study employed an evaluative approach, utilizing a quasi-experimental, concurrent two-group pre-test post-test design. This study was conducted in selected nursing colleges of Dharwad, Karnataka. The independent variables were traditional classroom training and simulation-based training, while the dependent variables were knowledge and skill acquisition in CPR. Socio-demographic variables included age, gender, religion, habitat, family monthly income, and previous CPR knowledge. The target population comprised students studying in the II-year BSc Nursing program, while the accessible population included II-year BSc Nursing students meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sampling technique used was non-probability purposive sampling, with a total sample size of 20 students divided equally into Group A and Group B. Data were collected from II-year BSc Nursing students who were willing to participate and available at the time of data collection, with exclusion criteria including illness during data collection and previous training in Basic Life Support (BLS). Results: Knowledge scores significantly improved post-intervention, with 70% demonstrating good knowledge compared to 10% pre-intervention. The mean knowledge score increased from 10.13 (SD = 5.40) to 18.8 (SD = 5.13), with a mean difference of 8.7 (t = 27.54, p