Process Evaluation Of A Basic Life Support Educational Intervention In Community Organisations

Background The FirstCPR cluster randomised trial delivered multimodal basic life support (BLS) learning opportunities to community organisations. An a priori process evaluation examined intervention implementation, including participation, reach, uptake and member engagement.

Methods The study used a multimethod process evaluation. Data were collected via semistructured interviews, focus group discussions, participant surveys, study records, web analytics and in-field observations.

These sources captured participation patterns and implementation measures (delivery, reach, uptake and engagement: opt-in to digital messages and attendance at training sessions), as well as reasons for refusals and withdrawals. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and organised using the UK Medical Research Council process-evaluation framework .

Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed separately and subsequently interpreted collectively to contextualise implementation patterns and identify barriers and enablers that influenced trial successes and failures. Results Intervention uptake and engagement varied significantly across organisations, with greater success observed in social and faith-based groups.

Of the 82 intervention clusters, 78 (95%) received intervention materials; 74 (90%) engaged in at least one activity and 15 (18%) engaged in all activities.