A Comparative Analysis of Self-Efficacy in Low Fidelity Vs. High Fidelity Simulation Post Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Sessions on Cardiac Arrest Algorithm amongst EMS Students of Pune, India

Background: Self-efficacy is a personal characteristic believed to increase an individual’s abilities to be successful in a task. Self-efficacy, as defined by Albert Bandura is a “belief” that one possesses the requisite skills to do what is needed to reach a successful outcome.”

Cardiac arrest is one of the most common emergencies encountered by EMTs in real clinical world, hence self-efficacy in such a situation is of paramount importance. Self-efficacy is composed of two key components i.e. satisfaction and confidence in one’s own abilities.

Objective: The objective of the study is to compare self-efficacy reported by EMS students after ACLS protocol on cardiac arrest algorithm using High fidelity vs low Fidelity simulation.

Methodology: Hundred PGDEMS students were chosen for the study by convenience sampling. The students were divided into two groups of fifty each after matching for age, sex and previous course grades.

Both groups were taught ACLS protocol on Cardiac Arrest Algorithm by classroom teaching over a four hour session conducted on two days.

The students were provided with a standardized and pretested “Student Satisfaction and Self- Confidence Learning Questionnaire consisting of 13 items (5 items on Satisfaction and 8 items on Self Confidence in learning). Each item was rated on a 5 point Likert Scale.

Discussion: The students in HFS group found the High Fidelity methodology to be more helpful and effective. Also the students reported greater enjoyment during the simulation activity on the High Fidelity manikin.

In terms of confidence, the HFS group reported statistically significant higher scores in 6 out of the 8 items on the questionnaire.

Conclusion: The findings of the study favor the use of High Fidelity Simulation (HFS) as the preferred methodology to teach cardiac arrest algorithm to EMS students.