Long-term Effect of Face-to-Face vs Virtual Reality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training on Willingness to Perform CPR, Retention of Knowledge, and Dissemination of CPR Awareness: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance: Increased bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential to improve survival after cardiac arrest. Although most studies focus on technical CPR skills, the randomized Lowlands Saves Lives trial prespecified a follow-up survey on other important aspects that affect the widespread performance of CPR. Objective: To investigate bystander willingness to perform CPR on a stranger, theoretical knowledge retention, and dissemination of CPR awareness 6 months after undergoing short face-to-face and virtual reality (VR) CPR trainings. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prespecified 6-month posttraining survey was conducted among 320 participants in the Lowlands Saves Lives trial, a randomized comparison between 20-minute face-to-face, instructor-led CPR training and VR training. Participants were recruited at the Lowlands music festival, with a designated area to conduct scientific projects (August 16-18, 2019; the Netherlands). Statistical analysis was performed from March 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021. Interventions: Two standardized 20-minute protocols on CPR and automated external defibrillator use: instructor-led face-to-face training using CPR manikins or VR training using the Resuscitation Council (UK)-endorsed Lifesaver VR smartphone application and a pillow to practice compressions. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were willingness to perform CPR on a stranger, theoretical knowledge retention, and dissemination of CPR awareness as reported by the entire cohort. As secondary analyses, the results of the 2 training modalities were compared. Results: Of 381 participants, 320 consented to this follow-up survey; 188 participants (115 women [61%]; median age, 26 years [IQR, 22-32 years]) completed the entire survey and were accordingly included in the secondary analysis. The overall proportion of participants willing to perform CPR on a stranger was 77% (144 of 188): 81% (79 of 97) among face-to-face participants and 71% (65 of 91) among VR participants (P =.02); 103 participants (55%) reported feeling scared to perform CPR (P =.91). Regarding theoretical knowledge retention, a median of 7 (IQR, 6-8) of 9 questions were answered correctly in both groups (P =.81). Regarding dissemination of CPR awareness, 65% of participants (123 of 188) told at least 1 to 10 family members or friends about the importance of CPR, and 15% (29 of 188) had participated in certified, instructor-led training at the time of the survey, without differences between groups. Conclusions and Relevance: In this 6-month posttraining survey, young adult participants of short CPR training modules reported high willingness (77%) to perform CPR on a stranger, with slightly higher rates for face-to-face than for VR participants. Theoretical knowledge retention was good, and the high dissemination of awareness suggests that these novel CPR training modules staged at a public event are promising sensitizers for involvement in CPR, although further challenges include mitigating the fear of performing CPR. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04013633.