Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative quasi experimental study was to investigate the effect an emergency cardiovascular care high fidelity simulation had on the perceived self-efficacy of athletic training students. Bandura’s self-efficacy theory was used as the theoretical framework of the study. Outcomes of high fidelity simulation especially related to the response of medical and health care providers to cardiovascular emergencies was significant in developing the study. Forty-six undergraduate athletic training students participated in this study and were randomly divided into either a simulation participation or simulation observation group using the Laerdal® SimMan. Perceived self-efficacy in performing emergency cardiovascular care was measured using the Emergency Cardiovascular Care Appraisal Inventory (ECCAI) and was assessed for all participants prior to the simulation, immediately following the simulation debriefing, and six months following the simulation. Both participation in and observation of a high fidelity CPR simulation had a significant positive effect on the athletic training students’ self-efficacy though there were no differences in self-efficacy gains between the groups. Additionally, there was a significant increase in perceived self-efficacy of athletic training students in both the participation and observation group at six months after completion of a high fidelity CPR simulation. It is recommended that when feasible, annual high fidelity cardiovascular emergency simulation be incorporated into professional athletic training programs.|Keywords: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, healthcare competency, confidence gains