# DARE Train-the-Trainer Pedagogy Development Using 2-Round Delphi Methodology

Authors: Wei Wei Dayna Yong; Phek Hui Jade Kua; Swee Sung Soon; Pin Pin Maeve Pek; Marcus Eng Hock Ong
Journal: BioMed Research International
 (2016)

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## Abstract

The Dispatcher-Assisted first REsponder programme aims to equip the public with skills to perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). By familiarising them with instructions given by a medical dispatcher during an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest call, they will be prepared and empowered to react in an emergency. We aim to formalise curriculum and standardise the way information is conveyed to the participants. A panel of 20 experts were chosen. Using Delphi methodology, selected issues were classified into open-ended and close-ended questions. Consensus for an item was established at a 70% agreement rate within the panel. Questions that had 60%–69% agreement were edited and sent to the panel for another round of voting. After 2 rounds of voting, 70 consensus statements were agreed upon. These covered the following: focus of CPR; qualities and qualifications of trainers; recognition of agonal breathing; head-tilt-chin lift; landmark for chest compression; performance of CPR when injuries are present; trainers’ involvement in training lay people; modesty of female patients during CPR; AED usage; content of trainer’s manual; addressing of questions and answers; updates-dissemination to trainers and attendance of refresher courses. Recommendations for pedagogy for trainers of dispatcher-assisted CPR programmes were developed.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is one of the main causes of death, of which 65.4% occur at home in Asia [1]. Annually, there are 700,000 cardiac arrest cases in Europe and more than 400,000 cases in America [2]. In Singapore, the annual incidence of OHCA is at least 1,400 cases, of which only 3% survived to discharge [3].International studies have shown that early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves the chances of survival [4]. Furthermore, a review of several large-scale studies emphasised the importance of dispatcher-assisted CPR in improving bystander CPR and OHCA survival rates [5, 6].Locally, the bystander CPR rate is only around 20% [3]. Clearly, there is a need to improve these rates which can be done via a local dispatcher-assisted CPR programme. To do so, we conceived a simplified programme for the lay public to learn how to perform effective CPR and use an AED while guided by a medical dispatcher over the telephone.Traditional CPR classes focus heavily on the rescuer working alone. In our programme, we focus on the rescuer cooperating with the dispatcher. The trainers of this community outreach programme are individuals who are both CPR and AED certified. They guide the participants during the hands-on session, providing constructive feedback and correcting their CPR technique. Currently, there is no formal train-the-trainer curriculum for a dispatcher-assisted CPR training programme. This train-the-trainer model is an established tool used by organisations which gather content from experts to educate trainers pooled from the community, in order to enable them to instruct target audiences. The advantage of such a model is that it can be propagated in the long term by multiple trainers who can disseminate information back to the community in a timely fashion, making this cost-effective and sustainable [7].As of now, there is no formal pedagogy to train the trainers how to teach the lay population dispatcher-assisted CPR. We aim to write a structured train-the-trainer curriculum to regulate and homogenize the type of information and the way it is conveyed to the participants during the sessions.


## 2. Methods

### 2.1. Setting

The Dispatcher-Assisted first REsponder (DARE) programme is an hour long programme and includes an explanatory video and an instructor-led hands-on session. This is shorter than the usual CPR and AED certification course which spans at least 4 hours and does not include a humorous video. The participants will learn to recognise a cardiac arrest, dial the local emergency number, familiarise themselves with the medical dispatcher’s commands, and perform effective CPR on manikins and how to use an AED.


### 2.2. Study Design

To come up with the trainers’ curriculum, consensus was gathered using the Delphi approach [8]. This method involves recruiting a panel of experts to answer questions pertaining to the areas of concern.The study was exempted from institutional review board approval.


### 2.3. Study Participants

A panel of 20 local experts well-versed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), from 9 different institutions, was invited to be a part of the study. These included those who are medically trained, who are personally involved in overseeing the current DARE curriculum, and/or who are first-aid instructors. Their areas of expertise varies and include, but are not limited to, emergency medicine, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and education.


### 2.4. Study Protocol and Data Collection

First, a pilot group, comprising 4 people who were familiar with DARE or were involved in studies that used the Delphi method, was created. The principal investigator worked with the pilot group to draw up a questionnaire based on literature review and the feedback from trainers. After discussing with the pilot group, we edited the questionnaire and chose to focus on questions related to 10 core areas. These areas are as follows:(1)
The focus of general CPR
(2)
How the train-the-trainer session should be conducted
(3)
Recognition of cardiac arrest
(4)
How CPR should be taught
(5)
Teaching the usage of AED
(6)
Precourse reading materials
(7)
Frequently asked questions
(8)
Trainers’ qualities and qualifications
(9)
Assessment of trainers
(10)
Continuity of the programmeThe expert panel was created and care was taken not to include the panellists from the pilot group.


#### 2.4.1. Round One of Delphi Method

The first-round Delphi questionnaire was distributed to the experts in December 2015 through an online questionnaire portal (SurveyMonkey™). They could provide any specific comments perceived to be necessary to drive a primary consensus. The first round was completed after about one month in January 2016. This first questionnaire consisted of dichotomous answers (yes/no), ranking questions, multiple choice questions, and some required open-ended responses. Open-ended responses allowed the experts to give their input, to clarify the interpretation of the question, and to expose common fallacies. Primary consensus was achieved when 70% of respondents were in agreement for dichotomous and multiple choice question.This cut-off point was used based on previous studies suggesting that a minimum of 70% agreement is needed for validity when using the Delphi method [9–11].


#### 2.4.2. Round  2 of Delphi Method

The expert panel was informed of round one’s preliminary results and of their individual comments. Data of which items had obtained consensus and which had not, with the overall agreement percentage obtained by the experts, were presented to the panel. Items that either did not obtain consensus in the first round but had 60–69% agreement or had some ambiguity in phrasing were included in the second questionnaire. Comments and additional options from round one were taken into consideration and included into round two as well. Where possible, the exact phrasing as round one was used. For multiple choice questions with 60–69% agreement and ranking questions, where possible, the questions were converted to yes/no options for clarity.The second round of Delphi was administered through the previous portal in February 2016 for 3 weeks with the same expert panel. Questions with more than 70% of agreement were regarded as a secondary consensus. We summarized the issue lists from the primary and secondary consensus as the final step by reviewing them via e-mail to establish the recommendations on the curriculum for a dispatcher-assisted train-the-trainer programme. The English language (without translation) was used as the working language in all steps. Figure1 is a summary of the process undertaken for the 2-Round Delphi Methodology.Figure 1
Flow of process.


#### 2.4.3. Statistical Analyses

For each item, statistical analysis was performed and the agreement rates were calculated with percentages and frequencies.


## 2.1. Setting

The Dispatcher-Assisted first REsponder (DARE) programme is an hour long programme and includes an explanatory video and an instructor-led hands-on session. This is shorter than the usual CPR and AED certification course which spans at least 4 hours and does not include a humorous video. The participants will learn to recognise a cardiac arrest, dial the local emergency number, familiarise themselves with the medical dispatcher’s commands, and perform effective CPR on manikins and how to use an AED.


## 2.2. Study Design

To come up with the trainers’ curriculum, consensus was gathered using the Delphi approach [8]. This method involves recruiting a panel of experts to answer questions pertaining to the areas of concern.The study was exempted from institutional review board approval.


## 2.3. Study Participants

A panel of 20 local experts well-versed in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), from 9 different institutions, was invited to be a part of the study. These included those who are medically trained, who are personally involved in overseeing the current DARE curriculum, and/or who are first-aid instructors. Their areas of expertise varies and include, but are not limited to, emergency medicine, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and education.


## 2.4. Study Protocol and Data Collection

First, a pilot group, comprising 4 people who were familiar with DARE or were involved in studies that used the Delphi method, was created. The principal investigator worked with the pilot group to draw up a questionnaire based on literature review and the feedback from trainers. After discussing with the pilot group, we edited the questionnaire and chose to focus on questions related to 10 core areas. These areas are as follows:(1)
The focus of general CPR
(2)
How the train-the-trainer session should be conducted
(3)
Recognition of cardiac arrest
(4)
How CPR should be taught
(5)
Teaching the usage of AED
(6)
Precourse reading materials
(7)
Frequently asked questions
(8)
Trainers’ qualities and qualifications
(9)
Assessment of trainers
(10)
Continuity of the programmeThe expert panel was created and care was taken not to include the panellists from the pilot group.


### 2.4.1. Round One of Delphi Method

The first-round Delphi questionnaire was distributed to the experts in December 2015 through an online questionnaire portal (SurveyMonkey™). They could provide any specific comments perceived to be necessary to drive a primary consensus. The first round was completed after about one month in January 2016. This first questionnaire consisted of dichotomous answers (yes/no), ranking questions, multiple choice questions, and some required open-ended responses. Open-ended responses allowed the experts to give their input, to clarify the interpretation of the question, and to expose common fallacies. Primary consensus was achieved when 70% of respondents were in agreement for dichotomous and multiple choice question.This cut-off point was used based on previous studies suggesting that a minimum of 70% agreement is needed for validity when using the Delphi method [9–11].


### 2.4.2. Round  2 of Delphi Method

The expert panel was informed of round one’s preliminary results and of their individual comments. Data of which items had obtained consensus and which had not, with the overall agreement percentage obtained by the experts, were presented to the panel. Items that either did not obtain consensus in the first round but had 60–69% agreement or had some ambiguity in phrasing were included in the second questionnaire. Comments and additional options from round one were taken into consideration and included into round two as well. Where possible, the exact phrasing as round one was used. For multiple choice questions with 60–69% agreement and ranking questions, where possible, the questions were converted to yes/no options for clarity.The second round of Delphi was administered through the previous portal in February 2016 for 3 weeks with the same expert panel. Questions with more than 70% of agreement were regarded as a secondary consensus. We summarized the issue lists from the primary and secondary consensus as the final step by reviewing them via e-mail to establish the recommendations on the curriculum for a dispatcher-assisted train-the-trainer programme. The English language (without translation) was used as the working language in all steps. Figure1 is a summary of the process undertaken for the 2-Round Delphi Methodology.Figure 1
Flow of process.


### 2.4.3. Statistical Analyses

For each item, statistical analysis was performed and the agreement rates were calculated with percentages and frequencies.


## 2.4.1. Round One of Delphi Method

The first-round Delphi questionnaire was distributed to the experts in December 2015 through an online questionnaire portal (SurveyMonkey™). They could provide any specific comments perceived to be necessary to drive a primary consensus. The first round was completed after about one month in January 2016. This first questionnaire consisted of dichotomous answers (yes/no), ranking questions, multiple choice questions, and some required open-ended responses. Open-ended responses allowed the experts to give their input, to clarify the interpretation of the question, and to expose common fallacies. Primary consensus was achieved when 70% of respondents were in agreement for dichotomous and multiple choice question.This cut-off point was used based on previous studies suggesting that a minimum of 70% agreement is needed for validity when using the Delphi method [9–11].


## 2.4.2. Round  2 of Delphi Method

The expert panel was informed of round one’s preliminary results and of their individual comments. Data of which items had obtained consensus and which had not, with the overall agreement percentage obtained by the experts, were presented to the panel. Items that either did not obtain consensus in the first round but had 60–69% agreement or had some ambiguity in phrasing were included in the second questionnaire. Comments and additional options from round one were taken into consideration and included into round two as well. Where possible, the exact phrasing as round one was used. For multiple choice questions with 60–69% agreement and ranking questions, where possible, the questions were converted to yes/no options for clarity.The second round of Delphi was administered through the previous portal in February 2016 for 3 weeks with the same expert panel. Questions with more than 70% of agreement were regarded as a secondary consensus. We summarized the issue lists from the primary and secondary consensus as the final step by reviewing them via e-mail to establish the recommendations on the curriculum for a dispatcher-assisted train-the-trainer programme. The English language (without translation) was used as the working language in all steps. Figure1 is a summary of the process undertaken for the 2-Round Delphi Methodology.Figure 1
Flow of process.


## 2.4.3. Statistical Analyses

For each item, statistical analysis was performed and the agreement rates were calculated with percentages and frequencies.


## 3. Results

20 experts participated in this study. After opening up the first round of Delphi surveying for 1 month, 25 issues arrived at a consensus. After opening up the second round of Delphi surveying for the same amount of time, an additional 14 issues arrived at a consensus. A total of 70 consensus statements were agreed by the expert panel. No agreement was reached on 11 issues. A summary of the items that received consensus and did not receive consensus can be found in Tables1 and 2, respectively.Table 1
List of items that obtained consensus.
⁢Consensus statements showing agreement from Delphi survey rounds 1 and 2
Consensus statements
⁢Number of respondents in agreement
Established in round
N
%
(1) The focus of general CPR
(a) Early access is the most important aspect to focus on during the trainers’ programme
14
70.0
1
(b) Early CPR is the second most important aspect to focus on during the trainers’ programme
15
75.0
1
(c) Early defibrillation is the least important of the three aspects to focus on during the trainers’ programme
16
80.0
1
(2) How the train-the-trainer session should be conducted
(a) There should be more than one person (instructor) conducting the session for the trainers
14
70.0
1
(b) There should be hands-on component for the trainers during the session
18
90.0
1
(c) The session should not be conducted entirely through a video for standardisation
14
70.0
1
(d) Qualification an instructor should have to carry out the session
CPR/AED instructor level
18
94.7
2
CPR/AED trained
17
89.5
2
(e) Video for the train-the-trainer programme should be of a professional tone
17
89.5
2
(f) Video for the train-the-trainer programme should be of a matter-of-fact (factual) tone
16
84.2
2
(g) Video should not cater to English speaking trainers only
16
80.0
1
(h) The video should have both subtitles and voice-over in other languages
14
70.0
1
(i) Hands-on component should be conducted after the video screening
16
80.0
1
(j) During the train-the-trainer session, there should be time allocated for each trainer to role-play with fellow trainers to be the main instructor
17
89.5
2
(k) Topics to be included in the curriculum
(i) Calling 995 and dispatcher’s assistance
19
100.0
2
(ii) The importance of quality CPR/AED
16
84.2
2
(iii) How to carry out CPR and the concerns faced when performing CPR
16
84.2
2
(iv) Spotting common CPR mistakes
16
84.2
2
(v) How to find and use an AED
19
100.0
2
(vi) Material to motivate bystanders to step up and respond to a cardiac arrest
14
73.7
2
(vii) DARE’s objectives and effectiveness
17
89.5
2
(viii) Importance of the trainer in DARE
19
100.0
2
(ix) Address the introduction of the CPR card (tells you the depth of chest compression) and MyResponder Application (notifying myResponders to nearby cardiac arrest cases who may render first aid before ambulance arrival)
16
84.2
2
(x) Recognising a cardiac arrest
19
100.0
2
(xi) Trainers’ ethics
14
73.7
2
(3) Key points in recognising a cardiac arrest
(a) Bystanders’ descriptions of agonal breathing should be taught to the trainers
20
100.0
1
(b) Warning signs like that of lack of breathing should be taught
14
73.7
2
(c) Head-tilt-chin-lift should be covered during the trainers’ training session
15
75.0
1
(d) Tapping on the shoulders of a person in possible cardiac arrest should be taught to the trainers
18
90.0
1
(e) Checking for danger should be included in the curriculum
17
85.0
1
(4) How CPR should be taught
(a) Locating the landmark for chest compression: trainers should be taught to position hands in between the nipples
15
78.9
2
(b) The latest American Heart Association updated guidelines stated for rescuers to push hard and fast. However, the guidelines state that compressions should be at least 5 cm but not greater than 6 cm and that chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120/min. In a basic resuscitation programme like DARE, the new guidelines should not be taken into consideration and implemented in our train-the-trainer curriculum
15
78.9
2
(c) Trainers should correct the positioning of the DARE lay participants
20
100.0
1
(d) Trainers should physically move the participant’s hands into position
15
75.0
1
(e) The same resuscitation method can be taught during the session to be applied to a child in possible cardiac arrest
15
75.0
1
(f) Precautions specific to the paediatric age group should be taught to the trainers
15
75.0
1
(g) CPR should still be instituted to a person in cardiac arrest who had a fall
20
100.0
1
(h) CPR should still be carried out although the patient has a chest injury
18
94.7
2
(i) CPR should still be carried out although the patient has a spinal injury
18
94.7
2
(j) CPR should still be carried out although the patient has bony fractures [rib(s)/limb(s) etc.]
18
94.7
2
(5) Teaching the usage of AED
(a) The person conducting the training session should be using a real AED trainer set to demonstrate how to operate it to the trainers
15
75.0
1
(b) All trainers should practice on a real AED set made for trainers during the session
14
73.7
2
(c) At any one point in time, only 1 person should be operating the trainer AED
15
78.9
1
(d) It is necessary for every trainer to be taught how to use a community AED
16
80.0
1
(e) During training, a real community AED set should be available for the trainers to familiarise themselves with
14
70.0
1
(f) Trainers should be taught where AEDs are found in the community
19
95.0
1
(g) When applying the AED chest pads, the modesty of a female patient should be taken into consideration
16
84.2
2
(h) Her top should be lifted up slightly and not completely to paste the chest pads
16
80.0
1
(i) If she is wearing a dress, the entire dress should not be removed and expose her lower extremities to apply the AED pads
15
75.0
1
(6) Reading materials catered to the trainers’ session
(a) Budget should be set aside for the trainers’ precourse materials
18
90.0
1
(b) A trainer’s manual (to be given out on the training day itself) should be provided for the trainers
18
90.0
1
(c) The trainer’s manual should include a DVD of the trainer’s video
15
75.0
1
(d) The trainer’s manual should include basic CPR and AED guidelines
20
100.0
1
(e) The manual should be translated to cater to non-English speaking trainers
14
70.0
1
(f) There should be an online prelearning component for the trainers prior to attending the training session
15
78.9
2
(7) Frequently asked questions
(a) Trainers should be allowed to answer DARE participants’ questions based on their own knowledge
14
70.0
1
(b) There should be a fixed Q&A guidelines for the trainers to refer to and answer from when posed with questions from DARE participants
20
100.0
1
(c) The trainers should be taught to direct all questions to the person conducting the session for the DARE participants that day
14
70.0
1
(d) If participant trainers have any controversial questions during the train-the-trainer’s training session, the questions should be collated and answered after a consensus from the DARE coordinators is reached
18
94.7
2
(e) Should participant trainers have any questions during the session, they should approach the DARE coordinators directly during the training
14
73.7
2
(8) Trainers’ qualities and qualifications
(a) The minimum qualification a trainer should have before he/she is allowed to sign up to be a trainer for the DARE programme is BCLS and AED certification
14
70.0
1
(b) In view that the DARE programme hopes to reach out to the elderly as well, trainers who are well-versed in dialects should be taught how to teach lay participants in dialects
19
95.0
1
(c) In view of the high dependency on IT equipment to deliver the session, trainers should be taught how to operate IT equipment (i.e., projectors, computers, and basic IT skills)
16
80.0
1
(d) Adolescents (teenagers/students) who are allowed to become a trainer in the future should receive monetary remuneration
17
85.0
1
(9) Assessment of trainers
(a) Trainers should be assessed prior to training to gauge their competency level and suitability
17
85.0
1
(b) Trainers should be required to complete and pass an assessment after the training session before becoming an official DARE trainer
18
90.0
1
(c) Trainers should be assessed on their competency and knowledge in DARE/CPR and AED technique
18
94.7
2
(d) Trainers should be assessed on their ability to conduct the lessons and manage the classroom
19
100.0
2
(e) Trainers should be assessed on their attitude, communication skills, and confidence when teaching
18
94.7
2
(10) Continuity of the programme
(a) E-mailing the trainers is the best platform to disseminate updates to the trainers
16
84.2
2
(b) It is necessary for qualified DARE trainers to attend refresher courses (training session again)
14
70.0
1
Note: total number of responders was 20 for the first round and 19 for the second round.
CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation; BCLS, basic cardiac life support; AED, automated external defibrillator; DARE, dispatcher-assisted first responder; Q&A, question and answer; IT, information technology.Table 2
List of items which did not achieve consensus.
⁢Issues on which consensus could not be reached
Statements
⁢Respondents
N
%
The instructor who carries out the train-the-trainer session should be a healthcare professional with a current BCLS certificate
Yes
11
57.9
No
8
42.1
Duration of training session
2 hours
7
35.0
1.5 hours
4
20.0
1 hour
9
45.0
What should be the maximum number of trainers per session for the train-the-trainer programme? (This is in view that there is only one instructor conducting the programme)
4 to 6
8
40.0
8 to 10
8
40.0
12 to 20
4
20.0
In view that agonal breathing is reported to be present in about 40% of OHCA, is agonal breathing the only kind of respiration the trainer should be taught to look out for before doing CPR
Yes
10
50.0
No
10
50.0
Warning signs like that of impending collapse (chest pain, diaphoresis/perspiration, shortness of breath, and drowsiness) should be taught
Yes
13
68.4
No
6
31.6
Are dispatchers able to teach head-tilt-chin-lift over the phone
Yes
9
45.0
No
11
55.0
Trainers should be taught to not teach head-tilt-chin-lift to the lay participants
Yes
8
42.1
No
11
57.9
Materials to motivate trainers attending the trainer’s course should be covered in the curriculum
Yes
12
63.2
No
7
36.8
Importance of maintaining airway should be covered in the curriculum
Yes
11
57.9
No
8
42.1
How trainers can enhance their communication skills should be covered in the curriculum
Yes
11
57.9
No
8
42.1
What should the maximum ratio of participant trainers : AED trainer set be
1 : 1 to 2 : 1
5
26.3
3 : 1 to 4 : 1
11
57.9
5 : 1 to 6 : 1
3
15.8
When applying the AED pads, should the entire bra be removed or just the bra straps be removed
Entire bra
9
45.0
Bra straps only
11
55.0
Should participant trainers have any questions during the session? They should e-mail the question(s) to an address provided
Yes
10
52.6
No
9
47.4
Should participant trainers have any questions during the session? They should write the questions down on a piece of paper given
Yes
12
63.2
No
7
36.8
Should adolescents who are in uniform groups be allowed to be a trainer? (i.e., adolescents whose CCA is NCC/scouts/girl guides/St John’s/other uniform groups)
Yes
12
63.2
No
7
36.8
How often should trainers be updated with new information
Once a month
0
0.0
Once every 6 months
2
10.5
Once a year
5
26.3
Whenever there are updates
12
63.2
Never
0
0.0


## 4. Discussion

This study is the first of its kind and aims to gather the viewpoints of experts regarding a suitable curriculum for a dispatcher-assisted CPR, train-the-trainer programme. We found that there was 100% agreement on elements that revolved around these core domains:(1)
How the train-the-trainer session should be conducted
(2)
Recognition of cardiac arrest
(3)
How CPR should be taught
(4)
Precourse reading materials
(5)
Frequently asked questions
(6)
Assessment of trainersAll of the experts agreed that the trainers should correct the hand-positioning of participants when carrying out CPR. The instructors could instruct them of the changes verbally or physically move the participants’ hands into the right position. 25% of the experts disagreed that trainers should physically correct the participants’ hand position. One of the experts gave feedback that it could be potentially awkward for a male trainer to touch a female participant’s hand.100% of the experts agreed that the curriculum should include a question-and-answer guide so that the trainers will give standardised answers confidently. Common topics that participants in previous DARE training sessions brought up include the need for a good Samaritan law, the risk of being sued, and the fear of breaking ribs during CPR.The expert panel agreed unanimously that, in assessing the trainers, their ability to conduct the lessons and classroom management skills are important aspects. This suggests that it is not just the theory of resuscitation that should be taught to the trainers but educational methods employing domains including psychology and communication.Agonal breathing is abnormal breathing that is reported to be present in about 40% of OHCA [12, 13]. It is often confused by bystanders as a sign of life [12, 14] causing CPR to be delayed or withheld, which is associated with poorer outcomes. It was agreed that bystanders’ descriptions of agonal breathing should be taught to the trainers. Trainers should be familiar with layman’s description of agonal breathing, which could include gasping and noisy breathing [12, 13] and emphasise to lay participants the importance of recognising agonal breathing as a sign of cardiac arrest. They should also dispel any misconception of agonal breathing being a sign of life.The panel experts all agreed that recognising cardiac arrest, calling 995, and cooperating with the dispatcher for telephone-assisted resuscitation, as well as how to find and use an AED, were important areas that should be included in the curriculum.Traditionally studies have shown that CPR should not be omitted in the context of a traumatic cardiac arrest [15]. 100% of our experts agreed that the curriculum should specify that CPR be carried out in a victim who has had a fall.The experts unanimously agreed that the materials given out to the trainees should include current national CPR and AED guidelines. With this material given out before course, it allows the trainers to refresh their memory on the guidelines, reducing unnecessary questions that might be asked during the programme.


## 5. Strengths

The Delphi method was employed in preference to other consensus-achieving methodologies because it is convenient to implement. It is the most time-efficient methodology, as the questionnaires are completed individually, at the expert’s own convenience. Consolidation of the results gathered is released for all experts to review, allowing a certain amount of interaction between them [11]. Additionally, this anonymous method [8] eliminates bias resulting from personal status and institutional role in achieving consensus [16].


## 6. Limitations

In this study, there were a few limitations. Firstly, the expert panel was made up of people chosen by invitation to partake in this study. As such, their opinions may not be representative of universal viewpoints. All of the experts were from Singapore. They have worked in Singapore and are familiar with the local resuscitation field. Hence the results might only be relevant in the local setting and should this pedagogy be extended into other settings, certain changes would have to be made or the questionnaire could be redistributed to experts of that specific country. Additionally, the entire study from the administration of the first questionnaire to the closure of the second questionnaire took place within a 2.5 months’ period. Within that amount of time, it could be possible that new research in the area might have arisen in the meantime and that the results gathered from this study were overridden by the new research.


## 7. Future Studies

Based on our study, we would like to come up with a train-the-trainer programme that can be launched at a national level. This model appears to be a feasible approach to promote adoption of curricular content on a national scale. Using the results of our study, we can also come up with precourse materials for the trainers to review prior to attending the session. They can even use the materials to revise their knowledge before teaching lay participants.Future studies can include an audit of both trainers and participants, to see if the execution of the resultant programme is effective. Comparison of the outcomes of the trainers before and after the implementation of the train-the-trainer curriculum should be made. The difference in performance of the trainers after having undergone the current training programme and the new trainer’s curriculum should be evaluated as well. Gaps should be addressed and improvements should be made accordingly based on qualitative and quantitative surveys.


## 8. Conclusion

Recommendations for pedagogy for trainers of dispatcher-assisted CPR programmes were developed using the Delphi method. These recommendations should be validated in practical settings.



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*Source: 5460964-2016-08-31.xml*