Basic life support training: Is student confidence enhanced by advanced levels of simulation?

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is a mandatory skill for nurses. The confidence of the BLS provider should be enhanced by regular training. Traditionally, BLS training has used low-fidelity manikins, but more recent studies have suggested the use of high-fidelity manikins and alternative levels of simulation such as virtual reality.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study including 125 nursing students. Data on confidence levels in various elements of BLS were collected using pre-validated questionnaires and analysed using SPSSv23.

Results: The study revealed that high-fidelity simulation had a significant impact on the BLS learner's confidence levels.

Conclusion: The study identified the importance of high-fidelity simulation in BLS training in preparing students for clinical practice. This highlights the need for further exploration of simulation technologies, such as virtual reality, to enable students to gain the knowledge, skills, confidence and competence required to enable safe and effective practice.