Teaching mass casualty incident management to senior medical students by three-dimensional tabletop exercise without lecture

Abstract

Background

Traditional methods of teaching mass casualty incident (MCI) management often lack engagement, particularly for senior medical students. Lectures may be uninspiring, and tabletop exercises (TTX) may not fully captivate participants. This study proposes the use of three-dimensional (3D) models in TTX as a solution to these challenges.

Methods

A TTX focusing on MCI in the emergency room was developed for senior medical students, centered on five core competencies of MCI management. 3D models representing the emergency room, hospital staff, patients, and other personnel were utilized. No lectures were given; instead, students engaged in discussions and demonstrated responses using 3D models. Immediate feedback was provided by the instructor, and knowledge was tested through multiple-choice questions and questionnaires.

Results

Between September 2018 and May 2022, 326 students completed pre- and post-exercise evaluations. Significant improvements were observed in test scores for all core competencies, as well as increased interest in learning and willingness to participate. Students found the exercise engaging and expressed a desire for further training.

Conclusions

A TTX using 3D models is proving to be an effective alternative of teaching MCI management and disaster medicine to senior medical students, while increasing interest and participation.