Abstract:

Introduction:
Training in Advanced Life Support (ALS) comprises a set of skills and experiences performed in the correct sequence (Moore et al., 2020). The ALS team leader takes the command and strictly follows the algorithm face to the situation associated with Cardiopulmonary Arrest (CA). In ALS training, didactic sessions are held, the manual is requested to be read, and face-to-face training is carried out. It is an intense training where skills are developed in a short period of time. Although studies show the effectiveness of different teaching strategies in developing competences, their repetition is necessary, due the loss of skills that occurs over the time (Reis, Melo & Costa, 2020; Reime et al., 2017). This study aims to identify the opinion of the postgraduate critical care course students using simulation based on decision algorithms prior to face-to-face ALS training.

Methods:
An exploratory, descriptive study of a qualitative nature was developed. Considering the aim, was decided to carry out a focus group. A script and a small questionnaire were prepared to characterize the participants (gender, age, previous experience with simulation). The participants are students from the postgraduate critical care course. Inclusion criteria were: being enrolled in the 2020/20210 school year and attending ALS training. The study had 24 participants, ranging from 25 to 42 years old, with an average of 32 years old, mostly female (75%) and with no previous experience in simulation (91.7%). Data collection took place in July 2021. For the analyse of the participants discourses, were use the NVivo program.

Results and Discussion:
From the analysis of the results, three advantages stand out for postgraduate students that constitute the categories of analysis: analysis of their performance effectiveness, training in the sequence of decision algorithms and training of particular characteristics of the ALS algorithm. In the training in the sequence of decision algorithms, three subcategories appear: identification of cardiac rhythms, identification of rhythms based on defibrillation and drug administration. During face-to-face training, a significant amount of time is spent practicing the sequence of systematic procedures, particularly in the management of performance time, interpretation of heart rhythms, defibrillation times, and drug dosage and schedules. These elements are essential for the success and reversal of the CA situation. Studies shows that the knowledge developed at the university on CA is usually insufficient and does not adequately prepare professionals for the practice (Reis, Melo & Costa, 2020). Simulation is a methodology that has been shown to be effective in developing skills (Aebersold, 2018; Fraga-Sampedro, 2018; Santos et al., 2021). The increase in confidence, arising from increased technical knowledge through simulation, helps students to act more effectively in situations that require ALS (Geri et al., 2017).

Conclusion:
This study show that the use of simulation prior to face-to-face ALS training has advantages for postgraduate students' learning in critical care course. Simulation can be useful for students training the sequence of decision algorithms, to improve time management in face-to-face training, increase students' feelings of self-efficacy and safety, and improve success in ALS face-to-face training.
However, further research using this type of simulation should be performed to prove its effectiveness.

Keywords:

Computer Simulation, Learning, Advanced Life Support.