Conference proceeding
- Theunissen, N.C.M., Six,C., Sluimer, R.R., de Graaf, B., Veltman, C.M.N., Coppens, A.E.M.(2007). Preparing Physicians for Military Expeditions by Using Adventure-Based Learning. Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 22(1), s10.
| |
Abstract
Physicians participating in military expeditions will increasingly be confronted
with smaller and simpler medical facilities (for instance field hospitals)
in a variety of settings. Interviews with several experienced military physicians
and educators revealed that it is challenging to perform medical skills during
current military expeditions and probably even more so in the future. For
instance physicians have to cope with extreme climates, with contradicting
and incomplete information, or have to endure physical discomfort due to
military transportation. This requires specific skills and practice levels
that cannot be acquired in regular civilian hospitals.
Adventure based learning (also known as experiential learning or action learning)
may be useful in this context. This is a powerful and exciting methodology based
on learning through experience. A life adventure game is developed in which military
physicians experience a military expedition. For about 2 hours they are at the
mercy of expeditional circumstances. When after about 1 hour they have to perform
their medical skills, again, they will be taken by surprises and distractions.
This adventure is build around a Human Patient Simulator, climate rooms with
low or high temperatures, and a transportation simulator. Effects on self-efficacy,
perceived mental and physical effort and medical skills is monitored. A pilot
with 6 physicians indicate that the adventure scenario is realistic and helpful
for competence development and maintenance. The results of the pilot will be
presented during the conference.
Keywords
Education and training; Competencies; Adventure Based Learning; Experiential Learning; Military; Military physicians; Extreme context