INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Student Pharmacist-Led Basic Life Support Training for High School Students Improves Knowledge and Skill Achievement

Song Oh

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0623-3978

Brooklyn T. Cobb

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8609-9264

James M. Hollands

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8685-9202

Haley L. Kavelak

St. Luke's University Health Network

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1917-6439

Laura H. Waite

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9967-9516

Angela L. Bingham

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1113-2872

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v14i4.5730

Keywords: Basic Life Support, Resuscitation Education, Neer Peer Teaching

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Abstract

Introduction: The performance of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival among cardiac arrest victims. Near-peer teaching of Basic Life Support (BLS) may be an effective way to deliver resuscitation education. This article aims to assess the effectiveness of a student pharmacist-led American Heart Association (AHA) BLS course on high school students' knowledge and skill achievement. Methods: Student pharmacists were trained as AHA instructors and delivered BLS certification courses to high school students. Participants completed pre- and post-assessments adapted from the course learning objectives. Skills performance was evaluated using the AHA’s standardized forms. Participants completed questions regarding their perceptions of the pharmacist’s role in BLS and confidence in pursuing a career in healthcare. Results: There were 321 participants with the majority in 11th or 12th grade (86.6%) and attending public school (99.1%). After completing the training, the mean percentage of correct assessment responses increased from 41.2% to 89% (p <0.0001). All participants correctly performed BLS skills. Most participants strongly agreed or agreed that the course changed their perspective of the pharmacist’s role during BLS (74.8%) and increased their confidence in their decision to pursue future careers in healthcare (61.7%). Conclusion: Student pharmacist-led BLS training, using near-peer delivery, improves high school students’ knowledge and skill achievement. This strategy promotes high school students’ positive perceptions regarding pharmacists and their role in BLS, as well as their confidence in pursuing careers in healthcare.

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Author Biographies

Song Oh, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University

Dr. Song Oh is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA.

Brooklyn T. Cobb, Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital

Dr. Brooklyn T. Cobb is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Ambulatory Care at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas. 

James M. Hollands, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University

Dr. James M. Hollands is a Vice Chair and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA.

Haley L. Kavelak, St. Luke's University Health Network

Dr. Haley L. Kavelak is a Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist at St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA.

Laura H. Waite, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University

Dr. Laura H. Waite is an Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions, Director of Student Recruitment and Engagement, and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA.

Angela L. Bingham, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph’s University

Dr. Angela L. Bingham is an Acting Chair and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Philadelphia  College of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA.