Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Short-term Advanced Training Course for Emergency Service Workers

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency medical service (EMS) is an integral part of healthcare organization system. The effectiveness of EMS provision depends on early detection of life-threatening conditions, promptness of medical and sanitary measures, availability of necessary medical care and qualifications level of medical workers. The goal of the study: To analyze the effectiveness of a short-term advanced training course for emergency medical service specialists. Materials and methods: A comprehensive retrospective preclinical and clinical training analysis of the progress of the Advanced Life Support-2 (ALS-2) course participants (n = 651) which was conducted for emergency medical service specialists was carried out. A mandatory requirement of the training process was the evaluation of initial level (pre-test) and final level of theoretical knowledge (post-test) and practical skills using manikins of different levels and clinical scenarios. Outcomes: The outcomes of emergency medical service specialists’ theoretical knowledge evaluation after the training demonstrated significant improvement, the overall knowledge growth rate was 90%, and a similar outcome was observed when analyzing data for all types of training modules and specialties. The evaluation of practical skills and abilities showed the following: the results of the training program mastering in the group of doctors were 89.0±0.47, for paramedics they were 87.2±0.25, and for nurses — 83.9±0.61. Conclusion: The use of a short-term continuing education training program Advanced Life Support-2 designed for emergency medical service workers based on innovative approaches to practical training and changes in evidence-based medicine increases the effectiveness of the training process and the quality of medical services.