An evaluation of a basic life support CD-ROM

Abstract

The faculty has developed a basic life support (BLS) CD-ROM as part of a staff development project across the UK's south west region's universities. The introduction of the BLS CD-ROM to the faculty represents a paradigm shift, from the former method of delivering an acetate-based BLS lecture to groups of students across the professional disciplines. It is the intention that all students and staff requiring BLS instruction, should access the CD-ROM to gain and test essential theoretical knowledge, and have an opportunity to observe best practice through video demonstrations. The production of the BLS CD-ROM meets many of the current National Health Service and Higher Education agendas, with the potential for learning to take place in clinical environments and for developing key transferable skills. The tool can also be used to achieve the requirements for multi-professional education. This presentation introduces the evaluative testing by questionnaire of the beta version of the CD-ROM, using a convenient sample of 26 Diploma nursing students, adult branch. The results identify changes needed before implementation of the CD-ROM as a learning tool across all pre- and post-qualified professional groups. The students particularly valued the opportunity to learn at their own pace, and the use of critical thinking scenarios, which enhanced their learning. A small number of technical and presentational errors were identified for correction. Students also made suggestions for other improvements and further developments of multimedia learning materials. While this enthusiastic appraisal is acknowledged, the current paucity of research demands that the faculty continues to evaluate the use of the CD-ROM when fully implemented. This research will be used to inform further developments of multi-media learning materials. © 2001, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.