Effect of dyad training on medical students' cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance

We investigated the effects of dyadic training on medical students' resuscitation performance during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. We provided students with a 2-hour training session on CPR for simulated cardiac arrest. Student teams were split into double groups (Dyad training groups: Groups A and B) or Single Groups. All groups received 2 CPR simulation rounds. CPR simulation training began with peer demonstration for Group A, and peer observation for Group B. Then the 2 groups switched roles. Single Groups completed CPR simulation without peer observation or demonstration. Teams were then evaluated based on leadership, teamwork, and team member skills. Group B had the highest first simulation round scores overall (P=0.004) and in teamwork (P=0.001) and team member skills (P= 0.031). Group B also had the highest second simulation round scores overall (P<0.001) and in leadership (P=0.033), teamwork (P<0.001), and team member skills (P<0.001). In the first simulation, there were no differences between Dyad training groups with those of Single Groups in overall scores, leadership scores, teamwork scores, and team member scores. In the second simulation, Dyad training groups scored higher in overall scores (P=0.002), leadership scores (P=0.044), teamwork scores (P=0.005), and team member scores (P=0.008). Dyad training groups also displayed higher improvement in overall scores (P=0.010) and team member scores (P=0.022). Dyad training was effective for CPR training. Both peer observation and demonstration for peers in dyad training can improve student resuscitation performance.