Abstract: Objective To explore the application effect of the shared mental model (SMM) theory in the practical learning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in medical students. Methods In April 2024, 63 undergraduates of grade 2021 from China Medical University who took the elective course “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator” in the spring semester of 2024 were enrolled and divided into experimental group (n=33) and control group (n=30) according to the date of course selection. The experimental group adopted the practical learning method based on the SMM theory, while the control group adopted the traditional teaching method. After class, the two groups of students were assessed for their skills. For data analysis, χ² test, t test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Results The percentage of appropriate pressing frequency in the experimental and control groups were (74.8±13.0)%, (58.1±21.7)%. The chest compression fraction in the experimental and control groups were (71.5±2.3)% and (67.5±4.4)%, both P<0.05. Conclusions Applying the practical learning method based on SMM theory to medical student CPR training helps to improve the quality of resuscitation in teams.

Key words: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Shared mental models, Medical students