Integrating Simulation-Based Exercises into Public Health Emergency Management Curricula

Abstract

The aim of this study is to enrich public health emergency management (PHEM) curricula and increase the workforce readiness of graduates through the implementation of an innovative curriculum structure centered around simulation and the creation of authentic learning experiences into a mastery-based Disaster Preparedness graduate certificate program launched in 2016 at the Colorado School of Public Health. Learners progress through a sequence of increasingly complex discussion and operations-based exercises designed to align with training methodologies used by future employers in the disaster response field, covering PHEM fundamentals and domestic and international disaster preparedness and response. Preliminary feedback is overwhelmingly positive, equating the experience to securing an internship. Embedding simulation-based exercises and authentic learning environments into graduate curricula exposes learners to diverse disaster scenarios, provides occasion for practicing critical thinking and dynamic problem solving, increases familiarity with anticipated emergency situations, and builds the confidence necessary for exercising judgment in a real-world situation. This novel curriculum should serve as a model for graduate programs wishing to enrich traditional training tactics using a typical school of public health support and alignment with community resources. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:777–781)

Composition and influencing factors of professionals’ capacity in public health emergency rescues: a qualitative study

“…Through emergency drills, professionals can become familiar with the contents of emergency plans, work processes, and personal responsibilities in an emergency rescue through exposure to real scenes similar to public health emergencies. Such exposure can also increase their theoretical knowledge and build their confidence in participating in real rescue situations ( 61 , 62 ). Therefore, in the daily training process, hospitals and relevant departments should not only provide theoretical education but must also regularly hold emergency drills for public health emergencies.…”

Evaluation and associated factors of public health emergency management among medical college students in a city in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study

“…2) Have professionals conduct regular, standardized public health emergency drills [ 29 ]. Colleges and universities should have professionals on-site trained in managing public health emergencies, Regularly carrying out emergency drills under the guidance of the local party committee and the government, and instructing students, teachers, and staff about emergency-response topics such as remote classes; campus closures or restrictions; health-related isolation and treatment; health data collection, sorting, and analysis; epidemic investigation and tracing; and regional detection and quarantines to expedite emergency response.…”

A nursing socio‐environmental approach for acute pesticide poisoning: A qualitative focus group study

“…Having said that, this emerging strategy using a primary care simulation‐based poisoning case can provide a realistic public health clinical experience in a local setting while also preparing the context for the development of global citizenship values (Pontin et al, 2020; Sanchez‐Cristal et al, 2019). In terms of increasing conceptual, practical and methodological knowledge of the rural working environment, rural workers and pesticide use, the use of a socio‐environmental care approach provides a major contribution to and impact the field of nursing in public health, particularly for the care of rural populations (Conti et al, 2018; Silvério et al, 2020).…”