Computer-based Simulative Training System -- a New Approach to Teaching Pre-hospital Trauma Care

Abstract

Background: A computer-based simulative training system (STS) in providing pre-hospital trauma care at a disaster site was applied to teaching nursing students in The Second Military Medical University, China. This article reports on the teaching effectiveness of this system.

Method: Among 92 participants, 46 were in the study group and 46 were in the “control†group. Each student completed a multiple-choice quiz after completing 18 hours (six three-hour sessions) of the study module, and a score was recorded. The simulative training module was completed only by the study group; the “control†group was assigned in-class discussions for the same amount of time covering the same content as the study group. The final course scores, which included both comprehensive and group task-based tests were compared between these two groups. The study used a descriptive and comparative approach for quantitative data analysis. Tests of independency between the multiple choice scores and the simulation scores were also performed. Finally, anonymous surveys were conducted.

Results: The study group performed better than the “control†group with a significantly higher average score for the group scenario task-based test score, and consequently the study group’s final course score was significantly higher than the “control†group. As per chi-square tests, no significant associations were found between the multiple choice scores and the simulated training scores. The final surveys showed students overwhelmingly agreed that STS training improved their knowledge and skills, their ability to recognize a potential critical event, and their initial response for trauma care at pre-hospital settings. The survey responses of the study group were noteworthy as they indicated that students recognized the importance of simulative training, appreciated the realism of the simulation, and were able to fight/adjust to the stressful feelings in order to focus on the task.

Conclusion: Computer-based STS may be an effective teaching model to help students improve their capability in providing pre-hospital trauma care, and in their effectiveness in disaster response.

Key words: Computer-based simulation, pre-hospital trauma care, Simulative Training System,