Teaching high quality paediatric basic life support to laypeople: The development and evaluation of a virtual simulation game

Background: Self-directed training has been recognized as a reasonable alternative to traditional instructor-led formats to teach laypeople Basic Life Support (BLS). Virtual tools can facilitate high-quality self-directed resuscitation education; however, their role in teaching paediatric BLS remains unclear due to limited empiric evaluation and suboptimal design of existing tools. Aim: We describe the development and evaluation of a virtual simulation game (VSG) designed to teach high-quality paediatric BLS using a self-directed, online format with integrated deliberate practice and feedback. Methods: We conducted a pilot prospective single-arm cohort study examining the VSG's impact on laypeople's paediatric BLS self-efficacy, attitudes, and knowledge as well as learner reactions. Data was collected using online surveys immediately after VSG completion and was analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Fifty-five participants (median age 32 years, 76% female, 11% active certification in paediatric BLS) evaluated the VSG. Participants reported high self-efficacy, willingness to perform paediatric BLS, and high perceived knowledge after VSG completion. Fifty (91%) achieved a passing score (≥13/15) on the paediatric BLS knowledge assessment. Learner reactions were favourable with 98% of participants agreeing that VSG educational content was clear and helpful. Mean System Usability Scale score was 81.1 (standard deviation 12.6) with a Net Promoter Score of 32 indicating high levels of usability and likelihood to recommend to others. Conclusions: The VSG was well-received by laypeople with positive effects observed on paediatric BLS self-efficacy, attitudes, and knowledge. Future studies should examine the impact of VSGs on skill performance through standalone or blended learning approaches.