Technological innovations in layperson CPR education – A scoping review

Abstract

Background

Rapid initiation of CPR is key for survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, making bystander CPR education a key part of the cardiac chain-of-survival. CPR classes continue to include new technologies that enable more widespread and high-fidelity training. We aimed to examine the landscape of technological innovations in layperson CPR training since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We searched Cochrane, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science from database inception to July 2024 for studies. We included articles with layperson CPR classes that included a technological advance, either in the equipment or mode of delivery of education. We focused on studies published after the start of 2020.

Results

Out of 1070 studies screened, 50 met the selection criteria. The primary groups of technology found were extended reality (20), feedback devices (11), asynchronous video instruction (10), tele-education (5), and low-cost CPR manikins (4). These technologies show promise to offer comparable or improved effectiveness compared to traditional options. Several topics may warrant further investigation, such as cognitive load associated with extended reality, the practicality of student-created CPR training devices, and possible interactive effects between technologies.

Conclusion

Future systematic reviews should evaluate the specific learning contexts for which these individual technologies, or combinations of these technologies, may be best suited to guide regulating bodies and CPR instructors in their pedagogical decisions.