Here we share examples of some of the medical education research projects and publications at Bristol Medical School
Recent Bristol Medical School Medical Education Publications
| Research: Exploring Medical Students’ Self-Reported Confidence and Willingness Administering Basic Life Support (BLS) Following Peer-Led Training in the Context of COVID-19 Authors: William Mears, Annie Rylance, Oliver King, Sarah Allsop, Matthew Booker Abstract: Background: Basic life support (BLS) delivery improves prognosis following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and forms an integral part of undergraduate medical curricula, although limited literature has assessed student confidence in utilizing these skills. An investigation of medical students’ self-reported confidence and hypothetical willingness to perform BLS was undertaken at the University of Bristol, within its peer-led BLS training scheme (RMD Bristol). Due to the study timing including COVID-19 restrictions (2020–21), changes in student confidence during this period could also be explored. Methods: A prospective cohort study of medical students participating in BLS training during 2018–2022 (N = 1084) was undertaken. Self-reported confidence and hypothetical willingness to perform BLS was assessed using pre- and post-training questionnaires (five-point Likert scale). Data were analysed in three groups: 1) pre-COVID (including in-person training), 2) during COVID (virtual-only training), and 3) post-COVID (including in-person training). Results: 347 medical students completed 658 questionnaire responses. All training modes significantly increased self-reported confidence and hypothetical willingness to perform BLS (p < 0.05). Self-reported confidence reduced rapidly following virtual-only training. During the pandemic, a reduction in student-perceived willingness to provide BLS in an emergency was observed in a community but not a hospital setting. Conclusion: Peer-led BLS training is effective in improving medical students’ self-reported confidence and willingness to administer BLS, regardless of delivery mode. The COVID-19 pandemic influenced both the delivery of teaching and students’ attitudes towards performing BLS. Due to the rapid confidence fade after virtual-only training, BLS teaching with an in-person component may remain the most effective model for training medical students. Publisher: International Journal of First Aid Education Citation: Mears, W., Rylance, A., King, O., Allsop, S. and Booker, M., 2023. Exploring Medical Students’ Self-Reported Confidence and Willingness Administering Basic Life Support (BLS) Following Peer-Led Training in the Context of COVID-19. International Journal of First Aid Education, 6(1), p.81–94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25894/ijfae.6.1.94 |