Revamping Ayurveda Education: Assessing the Effect of Hands-on Basic Life Support Training on Learning Outcomes among Ayurveda Student-A Pre-Post Assessment Study

Background Reforms in Ayurveda education made theoretical knowledge and practical skills better aligned. Also, importance has been given to closing the gap in integrating life-saving skills that enhance students' preparedness for emergency clinical situations. Sudden cardiac arrest is one such emergency condition that can come across at any time. Basic Life Support (BLS)—comprising skills such as emergency response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and AED usage—is a fundamental aspect of emergency resuscitation in cardiac arrest patients that is to be learned by everyone, in particular by all healthcare professionals. Due to its importance, BLS training has become a part of the institutional teaching curriculum for Ayurveda students. Methods 82 Ayurveda Students of the 1st profession were trained by the instructor during the induction program via didactic mode, followed by Hands-on practice with manikins. A Pre- Post assessment of knowledge on BLS among students was assessed through multiple-choice questionnaires. Results The pre-test mean ± SD was 58.29 ± 23.76, whereas the post-test mean ± SD = 72.2 ± 14.99. There was a high statistical significance between Pre & Post-test (p < 0.001) scores, indicating their knowledge enhancement. A larger than moderate effect size was observed (Cohen’s d = 0.74; Hedges’ g = 0.734). Conclusion This study had a significant impact on enhancing the level of knowledge. Furthermore, students reported improved confidence and willingness to perform CPR in real-case scenarios. Improving methods for teaching skills and assessments that show a direct impact on clinical practice should be an ongoing field of study.