Research on the Design of a Training Course for an International Emergency Medical Team

Abstract

Introduction:

Currently, Technical Advisors of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Secretariat are conducting standardized verification work for international emergency medical teams in various countries and organizations. However, a uniform and standard training course for an International EMT is lacking.

Aim:

To design a training course model based on knowledge structure, teaching, and evaluation methods for an International EMT.

Methods:

The first and second level catalogue defined as chapters and sections for the International EMT training curriculum were drafted based on literature and summaries of fragmentary experience. The teaching syllabus with the method of teaching and evaluation was initially outlined. The expert consultation form was designed and validated. Experts from International EMTs from various countries were consulted and investigated. The Delphi method was used, and the chapters and sections were adjusted and weighed according to experts’ advice through the Analytic Hierarchy Process. The teaching and evaluation methods for each knowledge module were obtained based on suggestions from experts.

Results:

A total of 25 experts were consulted. By 2 rounds of consultation with a Kendall coordination coefficient W value of 0.210 and chi-square value of 78.61 (p<0.05), consensus about the knowledge structure for the curriculum was achieved, which consisted of 6 chapters: (1) introduction of International EMT, (2) Disaster medicine, (3) Global health, (4) Care in austere condition, (5) Medical technology, (6) Field training, with the weights of 0.1415, 0.1584, 0.1536, 0.1827, 0.1728, and 0.1909, respectively, and 32 sections. Teaching methods for different knowledge modules were determined, which included lecture, demonstration, discussion, drills, and tabletop simulation. The evaluation methods were affirmed via a quiz, written examination, skill test, and teamwork test assessed by intra-group and inter-group evaluation.

Discussions:

Through scientific investigation of experts from International EMTs, a training course model for International EMT was established.