OBJECTIVE. To determine whether in the local lay Hong Kong population, video self-instruction about cardiopulmonary resuscitation has comparable results to traditional classroom instructions.

DESIGN. Prospective randomised single-blind controlled trial.

SETTING. A first-aid training organisation in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS. Cantonese applicants for cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses aged between 18 and 70 years were recruited into the study. They were randomised into two groups. Those selected for self-learning were given a kit (consisting of a mini-manikin, a video compact disc, and an instruction manual) and sent home. The other group underwent usual classroom training. Both groups were examined together; the examiners remained blinded to the background training of the subjects. Those who passed were asked to come back for re-examination after 1 year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. The examination passing rates initially and after 1 year.

RESULTS. During a 1-year period between 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008, 256 subjects were recruited into this study, 124 for self-learning and 132 for classroom training. The age range was 18 to 62 (mean, 39; standard deviation, 10) years. There was no significant difference in passing rate between the two groups at the initial examination or at the re-examination after 1 year. Notably, 28 (23%) of the participants of the self-learning group taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation to relatives and friends.

CONCLUSION. Video self-learning resulted in cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance as good as traditional classroom training.

Key words: Education; Heart arrest; Learning; Public sector; Teaching

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