Studentische Ausbildung in Katastrophenmedizin

Background

This article reports on the implementation and evaluation of a student course in disaster medicine at Regensburg University Medical School according to a model curriculum issued by German authorities.

Materials and Methods

The model curriculum had been adapted to local capabilities. A total of 24 students participated in the course which featured 13 lectures and 3 practical training sessions involving 1 decontamination and 2 map exercises on mass casualty incidents. During map exercises the participants had to manage scenarios involving 10 and 25 patients, respectively, in real time.

Results

The course achieved very good ratings during evaluation and students requested more practical training sessions in future courses. In the statistical evaluation of the student self-assessment a significant learning progress could be shown. Practical training achieved better ratings than theoretical lectures.

Conclusion

The model curriculum for a student course in disaster medicine could be implemented for the first time. The student’s competence in dealing with disasters increased during the course. From this experience conclusions for the improvement of the model curriculum can be drawn.