Key result
Gamified mobile app added to CPR-AED training linked to improved theoretical and operational skills.
Why the study?
Although bystander CPR and AED use are critical for survival after cardiac arrest, most studies have focused only on technical CPR-AED skills without assessing broader practical knowledge and willingness.
Does incorporating a game-based mobile application into traditional training improve CPR-AED practical knowledge, skill level, and willingness to perform CPR in university students?
Does incorporating a game-based mobile application into traditional training improve CPR-AED practical knowledge, skill level, and willingness to perform CPR in university students?
Incorporating a game-based mobile application into traditional CPR-AED training improves short-term skill acquisition and long-term knowledge retention among university students.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Game-based apps were associated with better CPR skill retention in students; hypothesis-generating and requires RCTs before practice change.
BACKGROUND Although bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (CPR-AED) use is critical for improving survival after cardiac arrest, most studies have focused solely on the technical skills required for CPR-AED. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of incorporating game-based mobile applications into traditional training methods on practical knowledge, skill level, willingness and dissemination awareness of CPR-AED among university students. METHODS We conducted prespecified surveys 7 d and 6 months post-training in China from March 21 to September 21, 2024. Two standardized, 1-h training protocols on CPR-AED theory and application: instructor-led traditional training using CPR manikins, or traditional training combined with a game-based mobile application in the follow-up phase for the experimental group. Primary outcomes included short-term results, theoretical knowledge retention, willingness to perform CPR and dissemination awareness in the long term. RESULTS 481 participants completed the entire survey and were included in the secondary analysis. After 7 d, the game-based application training group had significantly higher scores in theoretical and operational skills than those of the traditional training group (P = 0.020; P < 0.001, respectively). In the 6-month post-training survey regarding theoretical knowledge retention, the median scores were eight and nine out of 10 (P < 0.001). Overall, 70.9% (341 of 481) of participants were willing to perform CPR on strangers and 92.1% of participants (443 of 481) were willing to share first aid knowledge, with no significant difference between groups(P = 0.846; P = 0.969). CONCLUSIONS The game-based mobile application training can improve the theoretical and practical knowledge of CPR-AED in a short period and shows good knowledge retention over the long term. It is a promising and effective complement to existing CPR-AED training methods. CLINICALTRIAL Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. ChiCTR2500102813
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Gu et al. (2025) studied Cardiac arrest (bystander CPR-AED training) (n=481). Traditional training combined with a game-based mobile application vs. Instructor-led traditional training using CPR manikins was evaluated on Short-term results, theoretical knowledge retention, willingness to perform CPR and dissemination awareness in the long term (p=<0.001). Traditional training combined with a game-based mobile application significantly improved theoretical (P=0.020) and operational skills (P<0.001) for CPR-AED use compared to traditional training.
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