Development and evaluation of scenario-based e-simulation for humanitarian health training: a mixed-methods action...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Disaster Medicine
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Limited accessible and practical training exists for humanitarian public health responders.
• Need for innovative educational tools to enhance skills in disaster medicine and global health.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop and evaluate a scenario-based e-simulation (SBES) for humanitarian public health training.
• Assess SBES effectiveness, identify learning-enhancing design elements, and customize modules for practical application.

Main Methods:

• University-based, mixed-methods action research design conducted in Italy and Yemen.
• Development and evaluation of four SBES modules using a rapid prototype model.
• Involved 20 global health experts and 66 health sciences students.

Main Results:

• SBES effectively improved knowledge scores (p<0.001, effect size: 1.179) and received positive student reactions (satisfaction rate: 6.03/7).
• Effective SBES design incorporates overlapping elements of content, strategy, and technology.
• Poor internet access identified as a barrier, necessitating an offline version.

Conclusions:

• The developed SBES meets academic training needs for humanitarian public health.
• Findings contribute to advancing SBES for disaster medicine and global health.
• Further research needed to address SBES implementation challenges in diverse humanitarian contexts.