Evaluation of disaster medicine knowledge levels and e-learning attitudes among prehospital healthcare personnel: A case study of Istanbul

Authors : Ahmet Doğan Kuday, Tuğba Özcan, Kerem Kınık, Cüneyt Çalışkan
Pages : 124-135
Doi:10.21673/anadoluklin.1501179
View : 93 | Download : 87
Publication Date : 2025-01-29
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the disaster medicine knowledge level of prehospital healthcare personnel, identify their educational expectations, and determine their attitudes toward e-learning. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February 1 and March 31, 2023. The population of the study consisted of 3817 personnel working in the Istanbul Provincial Ambulance Service, and the sample consisted of 384 personnel. Participants were administered a survey including the Personal Information Form, the Attitude Towards E-learning Scale, and the Disaster Medicine Knowledge questionnaire through face-to-face data collection method. Results: Of the 384 participants, 119 were Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), 241 were paramedics, and 24 were physicians. The average disaster medicine knowledge level was 68.15±14.06, and the average attitude towards e-learning level was 26.69±8.42. Of the participants, 52.1% (n=200) had a low level of disaster medicine knowledge, while 47.9% (n=184) had a high level of knowledge. The majority of participants (n=221, 64.8%) preferred to receive disaster medicine training online. Participants who expressed a desire for disaster medicine training had higher attitudes toward e-learning compared to those who did not (28.43±7.93 vs. 23.74 ± 8.39; p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that the majority of prehospital healthcare personnel had low levels of disaster medicine knowledge, but high attitudes towards e-learning. Developing an online training program tailored to current developments and needs in disaster medicine could systematically prepare prehospital healthcare personnel for their disaster response roles. Making this training a mandatory part of in-service education could enhance the knowledge levels and confidence in personal competence of personnel with lower knowledge levels.
Keywords : Acil tıp, afet tıbbı, eğitim, öğrenme, sağlık görevlileri

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