Competence-based training needs assessment for basic life support instructors.

Basic life support instructors play an important role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of basic life support education. However, little is known about basic life support instructors' competence. The aim of the present study was to identify basic life support instructors' competence attributes and assess their competence-based training needs according to their expertise. This was a descriptive survey study to identify the educational needs of basic life support instructors using importance and performance analysis. A Web-based survey with a 29 item Competence Importance-Performance scale was undertaken with a convenience sample of 213 Korean instructors. Factor analysis identified several important factors for the competence of instructors: assessment, professional foundations, planning and preparation, educational method and strategies and evaluation. The importance and performance analysis matrix showed that training priorities for novice instructors were communication with learners and instructors, learner motivation, educational design, and qualifications of instructors, whereas checking equipment status and educational environment had the highest training priority for experienced instructors. Assessment was the most important factor in basic life support instructor's competence. A competence-based training program is needed according to basic life support instructors' expertise.