Comparison of the Effect of Training on How to Use Electroshock by Demonstration in Ambulance and Simulation Methods on Knowledge and Skill of Nursing Students of Aja University of Medical Sciences

Cardiovascular disorders are the first cause of global mortality. Health care providers can save the lives of millions of people by providing timely and appropriate health care and preventing many disabilities. Therefore, it is necessary to use the best education methods to enhance the knowledge and skills of individuals.

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of training on the accurate use of electroshock using demonstration and simulation methods in ambulance and to increase the knowledge and skill of nursing students of Ajay University of Medical Sciences.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2019. A total of 45 students of Aja Nursing Faculty, Tehran, Iran were recruited by purposive sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental and one control group. The intervention included educating in the clinical skills lab by simulation method and in an ambulance through demonstration. A researcher-made tool including a knowledge questionnaire and a checklist was used to assess how to use electroshock in pre-test and post-test with two weeks intervals.

The mean score of knowledge and skills in the pre-intervention phase was not significantly different in the three groups (P<0.05), but this difference was significant after the intervention (P<0.05).However, the scores in both the simulation and demonstration groups were higher than that in the control group. Moreover, students’ knowledge and skill scores in the post-test phase increased in three groups (P<0.05).

Educating correct use of electroshock through simulation and demonstration in a real environment enhances the knowledge and skills of nursing students. Further studies with larger samples size and in other health care groups are recommended.