Domestic and International Disaster Preparedness Education during Intensive Humanitarian Training

AbstractObjectiveDomestic and International Disaster Response requires ongoing preparedness through full-scale exercises and training. The Humanitarian Response Intensive Course (HRIC) includes a 3-day in-person simulation to prepare future humanitarian workers. The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Disaster Medical and Global Disaster Response Teams supported the HRIC through the development of a simulated field hospital for the course participants. Additionally, the MGH teams engaged in an intensive continuing education program for specialized training.MethodsAn interdisciplinary team developed and delivered seven discrete educational modules utilizing small group methodologies and combining didactics and simulation for a total of 14 hours of content over the 3-day course. Participants engaged in structured debriefing and completed written evaluations at the end of each day.Results18 participants completed the course and simulation weekend. Participants strongly agreed that learning outcomes were met and they noted that they felt more prepared to deploy in the future with comments specifically noting the ability to function as part of a team and increased awareness of personal safety in an alternate care setting.ConclusionStructured learning within a large-scale immersive, interdisciplinary simulation resulted in participants reporting increased preparation for real-world events.