Introduction to Treating Patients Exposed to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Threats: A Military Medical Case-Based Curriculum.
MedEdPORTAL · 2024-01-01 · Implementation & quality improvement
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Ensuring proficiency in responding to, evaluating, and treating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) casualties is a critical component of military medical student education. To meet this objective, we developed a case-based CBRN curriculum that can serve as a model to address potential curricular gaps for civilian prehospital, UME, and GME programs. METHODS: The curriculum was administered in two sessions, 1 month apart, each with individual student preparation, including an optional asynchronous online module and a review of clinical practice guidelines. Session one consisted of a 2-hour introductory lecture, followed by a student reflection. Session two consisted of a 1-hour small-group case study, designed as a multimodal exercise with a corresponding computer-based worksheet and knowledge check. RESULTS: Forty-five teams consisting of three to four second-year medical students (N = 170) completed the sessions and course survey. Sixty-four percent of student teams were extremely or quite satisfied with what they learned, 62% found the materials very or quite relevant to their needs, and 69% rated the instructional materials as extremely or quite understandable. Student feedback included designating additional time for worksheet completion. DISCUSSION: A case-based training on CBRN patient care earned positive ratings for the clarity of instruction, the impact on students as learners, and the feasibility of the training. Future training evolutions could track student completion of prework, extend the allotted time for activity completion, and evaluate curricular effectiveness through pre-post measurement of students' confidence in their ability to care for a CBRN patient.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Students · Military & tactical
Related articles
- Effectiveness of an adult-learning, self-directed model compared with traditional lecture-based teaching methods in out-of-hospital training. (Acad Emerg Med, 2004)
- Comparison of Air Force, Army, and Navy Emergency Medical Technician Candidates' Performance on the National Registry Cognitive Examination. (Mil Med, 2021)
- What is needed to increase the professional competencies of the military emergency medical technicians of the Republic of Korea Air Force? (J Educ Eval Health Prof, 2015)
- Curricular and extracurricular activities of medical students during war, Zagreb University School of Medicine, 1991-1995. (Acad Med, 2001)
- Combat burn life support: a military burn-education program. (J Burn Care Rehabil, 2005)
- Taking High-Fidelity Simulation to the Next Level: Nursing in Nontraditional Environments. (Nurs Educ Perspect, 2025)