Remote training for combat medics during the COVID-19 era: lessons learnt for future crises?

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Medical Education Technology
• Pandemic Response Training

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic necessitated strict social distancing measures in the UK.
• UK Armed Forces implemented measures to maintain force protection and operational readiness.
• Clinical training adapted to remote delivery for geographically dispersed medical personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of remote clinical training for Combat Medical Technicians, Medical Assistants, and Royal Air Force Medics (CMTs/MAs/RAFMs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To gather trainers' perspectives on the current and future delivery of remote medical training.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods survey study was employed.
• Participants included Defence Medical Services personnel, specifically medical and nursing officers teaching CMTs/MAs/RAFMs.
• Data collection focused on experiences with remote training during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• 52 survey respondents participated, with 78% delivering remote training via teleconferencing and webinars.
• 70% reported increased training volume for CMTs/MAs/RAFMs during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels.
• 94% of respondents favored continuing webinar-based remote training post-pandemic, citing benefits like reduced travel, training continuity, and enhanced learner development.

Conclusions:

• The study sample successfully met the challenge of continuing medical education while maintaining deployment readiness and adhering to social distancing.
• Remote training, incorporating clear objectives and teleconferencing, offers an innovative and secure method for high-quality medical personnel training.
• Webinar-based remote training is perceived as a valuable modality for future medical education within the UK Armed Forces.