A simulation-based biodefense and disaster preparedness curriculum for internal medicine residents

Abstract

A simulation-based biodefense and disaster preparedness curriculum for internal medicine residents, Medical Teacher, 30:6, e145-e151, DOI: 10.1080/01421590802047257To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/01421590802047257 AbstractAims: Disaster and bioterrorism preparedness is poorly integrated into the curricula of internal medicine residency programs. Given that victims may present to a variety of healthcare venues, including primary care practices, inpatient hospital wards, and intensive care units, we developed a curriculum to address this need. Methods: The curriculum consisted of four didactic sessions with supplemental readings covering biologic, chemical, and radiologic agents, as well as public health infrastructure. All 30 internal medicine resident participants also underwent a four hour training seminar at a high fidelity human simulation center. Instruction included the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and participation in simulated scenarios utilizing technologically sophisticated mannequins with monitoring and interactive capability. Sessions were videotaped, reviewed with participants, and followed by self-evaluation and constructive feedback. Results: Compared to a control group of residents who did not undergo training, the participants' level of knowledge was significantly better, with mean objective test scores of 66.8% AE 11.8% SD vs. 50% AE 13.1% SD, p < 0.0001. Although there was a trend toward increasing knowledge with increasing level of training in the control group, this difference was not significant. Subjective preparedness was also significantly better in the intervention group (p < 0.0001). Objective improvements were not maintained after one year. Conclusions: In this pilot study, a disaster-preparedness curriculum including simulation-based training had a positive effect on residents' knowledge base and ability to respond to disaster. However, this effect had diminished after one year, indicating the need for reinforcement at regular intervals.

High-fidelity multiactor emergency preparedness training for patient care providers

“…32 Summerhill utilized a prospective cohort design to help show how human simulation increased internal medicine resident’s scores on bioterrorism written tests. 70 Miller showed that health professionals (mostly EMS) would improve their confidence after using human simulators in a HAZMAT scenario. 12 Vincent had medical students listen to podcasts about triage and then showed that students would improve triage accuracy after repeating scenarios with human patient simulators.…”

Terror Medicine as Part of the Medical School Curriculum

“…One study indicated that a successful drill improved participants’ knowledge base, but that the enhanced effect had diminished a year later (12). Another report found that 1 year after the 2013 Boston bombings, experience at that event still remained a valuable platform for effective preparedness (13).…”

A Course on "Health Management in Crises" for Medical Students: A Delphi Study

“…9 Because of the lack of appropriate training in undergraduate medical courses, it is unlikely that general physicians can address disastrous health events as expected. 10 Pfenninger et al, after a review of existing studies, indicated there were very few reported curricula and courses on health management in crises for medical students. 11 In order to enhance the knowledge and skills of medical students on how to understand the health-related issues in crises and to promote their ability to manage and deal with crises, such courses and curriculums for medical education are necessary.…”

“…11 In order to enhance the knowledge and skills of medical students on how to understand the health-related issues in crises and to promote their ability to manage and deal with crises, such courses and curriculums for medical education are necessary. 10 This study was conducted at the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences in Iran. The aim of the study was to design and develop a course on "health management in crisis" for medical students in order to enable them to cope with and the address health-related issues in crises at graduation and beyond.…”