Exploring Learners' Experiences with Neonatal Resuscitation Training Using the Multimedia Method: A Qualitative Study

Background: Resuscitation training should be based on facts, skills, and attitudes, using appropriate teaching methods and aids. Training through multimedia is one of the student-oriented methods. This method encourages learners to actively engage in training and take responsibility for their own learning. Objectives: The present research aimed to assess the learning experiences of medical interns regarding neonatal resuscitation training using the multimedia method. Methods: This study was a qualitative conventional content analysis conducted on 17 interns in the last semester of general medicine at the Department of Pediatrics, Alborz University of Medical Sciences. The multimedia method in this study involved a camera connected to a television, recording the interns' activities during resuscitation procedure education. After completing each procedure, the TV showed the recorded activity films to the participants using the on-and-off method. Data were collected through focus group meetings, where students discussed their experiences of participating in this intervention. Their words were converted to written meaning codes and categorized based on similarities and differences. Results: A total of 17 general medicine interns from the last semester, admitted in 2015, participated in this study. Two themes and five subthemes were extracted from the results of conventional content analysis. The results were categorized into two themes: Strengths, which included the subthemes of educational pedagogy and feedback, and weaknesses, which included the subthemes of time, stakeholders, and facilities. Overall, this multimedia method is considered useful for learning. It had some advantages, such as providing detailed feedback, but also had weaknesses, such as the expense of use. Conclusions: It seems that the multimedia method is influential in enhancing interns' learning by providing feedback after conducting neonatal resuscitation. Encompassing different learning aspects and various strengths, this combined method encourages learners' participation in training. Additionally, it can help reduce medical errors and maintain patient safety by developing the necessary skills among interns.