Knowledge and attitudes of Vietnamese high school students towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Results from a pilot student-led cross-country bystander training workshop

Objectives: This is a first-of-its-kind cross-country collaboration between medical students from Singapore and Vietnam in conducting a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) workshop for Vietnamese high school students. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of CPR training in improving students' knowledge and attitudes towards CPR. Methods: The CPR workshop was conducted using active learning methods, including interactive lecture session, games, small group demonstration and hands-on practice on the mannequin. Knowledge and attitudes towards CPR were studied using a standardised questionnaire administered at three time points: before the workshop (TP1), immediately after the workshop (TP2) and three months after the workshop (TP3). Results: There was an improvement in the median knowledge score from 6.5/14 at TP1 to 13/14 at TP2 (p<0.001) which was sustained at TP3 (10/14). Willingness and confidence in performing CPR on strangers increased from TP1 to TP2. From TP2 to TP3, however, there was a decrease in willingness to perform CPR on all groups, though confidence in performing CPR remained high at TP3. The most-cited concern about performing CPR was a lack of skills and knowledge. Most participants picked formal training courses to increase confidence in performing CPR. Conclusions: The CPR training was effective in improving the knowledge and attitudes of high school students towards CPR. Our study supports expanding this workshop to train more students in basic cardiac life support in the community and further collaboration internationally between medical schools in order to increase the number of students in the community competent in performing CPR.

Automated summary

The study found that CPR training significantly improved high school students' knowledge and attitudes towards CPR, with scores increasing from before to after the workshop. Students showed increased willingness and confidence in performing CPR on strangers, although long-term willingness showed a decreasing trend. When choosing to improve CPR confidence, most students preferred to attend formal training courses.