Effectiveness of a Fire Disaster PFA Simulation Game: A Single-Blinded Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) in disaster management.
• Educational technology and simulation-based learning.
• Disaster mental health and relief worker training.

Background:

• Increasing disaster frequency and complexity necessitate improved psychological support.
• Traditional disaster relief worker training faces limitations in engagement, time, and space.
• Developing innovative training methods for psychological first aid (PFA) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel web-based PFA simulation game.
• To assess the impact of the simulation game on disaster relief workers' competencies.
• To compare the simulation game's efficacy against traditional educational materials.

Main Methods:

• A non-randomized controlled experimental study with 30 participants.
• Experimental group utilized a web-based PFA simulation game.
• Control group received written disaster education materials.

Main Results:

• The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in core disaster response competencies.
• Enhanced self-efficacy and problem-solving processes were observed in the simulation group.
• The positive effects of the simulation game showed significant persistence over time.

Conclusions:

• Web-based PFA simulation games are effective for enhancing disaster relief worker competencies.
• Simulation games offer an engaging and flexible learning modality for PFA.
• This approach provides a viable alternative for improving and maintaining PFA skills, especially when direct disaster experience is limited.