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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Nelson
- Bacterial Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Anders Sjöstedt
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Erickson TB, Harvin D, Schmid A, Loevinsohn G, Poriechna A, Martyshyn O, Kliukach K, Sydlowski M, Strong J, Kivlehan SM. Evaluation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Knowledge Change and Skills Confidence Among Frontline-Line Providers During the Russia-Ukraine War. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e387. [PMID: 37157855 PMCID: PMC10171778 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in knowledge and skill confidence after implementation of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) training course during the Russia-Ukraine War. METHODS Pre/post-test study in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa. Fifteen CBRNE courses were conducted over a 3-mo period, August to October 2022. Change in knowledge and skills confidence were evaluated with pre/post-course written exams and practical skill assessments that were observed during the training exercises. Changes were analyzed based on nonparametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank testing. Pre/post self-efficacy surveys were analyzed with McNemar's test for paired data. Course evaluations were conducted with standardized questions which assessed instruction quality, teaching relevance, knowledge gained, and post-course skills confidence. RESULTS A total of 523 participants registered and completed 1 of the 15 courses. Overall mean pre-course test score: 57.8% (SD 20.7%); mean post-course test score: 81.4% (SD 11.3%); participants with increasing test scores: 90.7%; mean difference in score (95% confidence interval) 23.6% (21.2%-25.9%), P < 0.0001. Pre/post self-efficacy surveys (4-point Likert scale) noted participants recognized signs and symptoms of a CBRNE incident, and necessary skills to manage CBRNE exposures, P < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of this CBRNE course for front-line providers in Ukraine was successful. To our knowledge, it was the first implementation of a field course during the current Russian-Ukraine war. Future research should evaluate knowledge retention and impact of our innovative Train-the-Trainer model. Further iterations should emphasize expanding the quantity of training equipment and practical skill sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy B. Erickson
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donell Harvin
- Rand Corporation, Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center and Georgetown University, Applied Intelligence and Emergency and Disaster Management Program, Washington, D.C
| | - Alexis Schmid
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Global Health Program, Boston, MA
| | - Gideon Loevinsohn
- Division of Global Emergency Care and Humanitarian Studies, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan Strong
- Division of Global Emergency Care and Humanitarian Studies, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sean M. Kivlehan
- Division of Global Emergency Care and Humanitarian Studies, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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