Distributed Medical Training for Force Mobilization and Disaster Response

Non trauma surgeons mobilized to support military operations are often ill-prepared for the challenges of trauma surgery. Training to date has not bridged the gap between their experience and abilities and the rigor of their assignment. The objective of this research is to develop a training system that utilizes best known instructional practices and exploits advanced, distributed training technology to deliver comprehensive trauma surgery preparation. The components of this system are in place, and this research will focus on their integration. A comprehensive set of almost 200 trauma decision trees, developed for the Navy (Contract N66001-85-C-0297), will provide the foundation for the training content. An existing, robust online training delivery system that imbeds best teaching practices will provide the technology for delivery. The research will result in a case study based, online learning system that provides experiential learning to mobilized non trauma surgeons. Case studies will simulate combat trauma and disaster scenarios. Interactive and self paced instruction will provide challenges to surgeon trainees to make medical treatment decisions and to react to nuances in treatment response. Implementation would cost effectively prepare mobilized non trauma surgeons to face trauma scenarios, and to utilize proper treatment decision making.