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Published on: August 9, 2010
A comparison of SIEVE, SORT, and START triage training effectiveness between immersive interactive 3D learning
Kritsada Chumvanichaya1, Chaiyaporn Yuksen1, Promphet Nuanprom2
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
Introduction:
Disaster triage is a crucial competency for paramedics. Traditional training methods, such as lectures and tabletop exercises (TTx), may not provide immersive and high-pressure experience necessary for optimal skill development. Virtual reality (VR) is innovative, allowing trainees to engage in realistic triage simulations in a controlled, interactive environment.
Objective:
The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of VR-based triage training and traditional methods by assessing knowledge, learner motivation, and practical skills through pre-and post-tests, the ARCS model, and live simulations.
Methods:
This method-oriented, randomized study was conducted over a 2-week intervention among 83 paramedic students and compared traditional lecture-based (n = 41) with VR-based (n = 42) training for MCI triage education among paramedic students at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Both groups attended lectures. Knowledge was assessed through validated pre- and post-tests in four domains: memory, comprehension, application and analysis. Learner motivation was evaluated using the ARCS model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction), and practical skills were measured during live simulations, assessing time use and a validated accuracy score that included triage steps, proper sequencing, and the correctness of triage judgment.
Results:
Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in post-test knowledge scores. The VR group scored higher across all ARCS model dimensions: attention (4.78 vs. 4.17, p < 0.001), relevance (4.79 vs. 4.37, p < 0.001), confidence (4.74 vs. 4.24, p < 0.001), and satisfaction (4.71 vs. 4.34, p < 0.001). In the practical triage assessment, the VR group achieved higher accuracy in SORT triage (14.39 vs. 12.09, p = 0.001) than the traditional group.
Conclusion:
Both training methods effectively improved disaster triage knowledge and skills. However, the VR-based method significantly enhanced learner motivation and SORT triage accuracy, suggesting that VR may be a valuable alternative to traditional TTx in disaster triage training.
Clinical Trial Number:
TCTR20241105003. Registration Site: Thai Clinical Trials Registry. URL: https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20241105003 .
