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Hylander, J., Gyllencreutz, L., Haney, M. & Westman, A. (2025). Ambulance commanders' reluctance to enter road tunnels in simulated incidents and the effects of a tunnel-specific e-learning course on decision-making: web-based randomized controlled trial. JMIR Formative Research, 9, Article ID e58542.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Ambulance commanders' reluctance to enter road tunnels in simulated incidents and the effects of a tunnel-specific e-learning course on decision-making: web-based randomized controlled trial
2025 (English)In: JMIR Formative Research, E-ISSN 2561-326X, Vol. 9, article id e58542Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

BACKGROUND: The optimal response to a major incident in a road tunnel involves efficient decision-making among the responding emergency services (fire and rescue services, police, and ambulances). The infrequent occurrence of road tunnel incidents may entail unfamiliarity with the tunnel environment and lead to uncertain and inefficient decision-making among emergency services commanders. Ambulance commanders have requested tunnel-specific learning materials to improve their preparedness.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess decision-making among ambulance commanders in simulated road tunnel incidents after they had participated in a tunnel-specific e-learning course designed to support timely and correct decisions in this context.

METHODS: We conducted a web-based intervention study involving 20 participants from emergency medical services in Sweden who were randomly allocated to a test or control group. The control group (n=10, 50%) received a lecture on general incident management, while the intervention group (n=10, 50%) completed an e-learning course consisting of 5 modules focused on tunnel structure, safety, and collaboration in response. The participants took part in 2 simulation-based assessments for ambulance commander decision-making in major road tunnel incidents 1 month and 6 months after their allocated study intervention. In each simulation, the participants decided on the best course of action at 15 independent decision points, designed as multiple-choice questions. The primary outcome was the correct response to the question regarding how to appropriately enter the road tunnel. The secondary outcome measurements were correct or incorrect responses and the time taken to decide for each of the 15 decisions. Limited in-depth follow-up interviews were conducted with participants (n=5, 25%), and collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS: All 20 participants completed the first simulation, and 16 (80%) completed the second. The main finding was that none (0/20, 0%) of the participants correctly answered the question on entering the tunnel system in the 1-month assessment. There were no significant differences between the groups (P=.59; 2-sample test of proportions) in the second assessment. The e-learning course was not associated with more correct answers at the first assessment, including accounting for participant factors (mean difference between groups: -0.58 points, 95% CI -1.88 to 0.73; P=.36). The e-learning course was also not associated with a shorter time to completion compared to the nonintervention group in either assessment. Interviews identified 3 categories linked to the main outcome: information (lack of), risk (limited knowledge and equipment), and mitigation (access to maps and aide-mémoire).

CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a tunnel-specific e-learning course did not result in a measurable change in ambulance commanders' decision-making behavior during simulated road tunnel incidents. The observed hesitation to enter the road tunnel system may have several plausible causes, such as the lack of actionable intelligence and tunnel-specific plans. This novel approach to assessing commander decision-making may be transferable to other educational settings.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
JMIR Publications, 2025
Keywords
disaster medicine, e-learning, incident management, major incident, road tunnels
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy
Research subject
Surgery
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-237014 (URN)10.2196/58542 (DOI)40153786 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-105001583778 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Transport AdministrationRegion Västerbotten
Available from: 2025-03-30 Created: 2025-03-30 Last updated: 2025-04-29Bibliographically approved
Murphy, J. P., Bergström, C. & Gyllencreutz, L. (2025). Rural hospital incident command leaders’ perceptions of disaster preparedness. BMC Emergency Medicine, 25(1), Article ID 45.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Rural hospital incident command leaders’ perceptions of disaster preparedness
2025 (English)In: BMC Emergency Medicine, E-ISSN 1471-227X, Vol. 25, no 1, article id 45Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Recent trends indicate that the frequency of major incidents (MIs) is increasing. Healthcare systems are vital actors in societies’ responses to MIs. Well-prepared healthcare systems may mitigate the effects of MIs. Disaster preparedness is based on region-specific risk and vulnerability analyses (RVAs). Hospital incident command groups (HICGs) are commonly formed per hospital’s contingency plan MI to aid in disaster response. Acquiring situational awareness and decision-making in the face of uncertainty are known challenges for HICGs during MIs. However, the remoteness of rural hospitals presents unique challenges.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore HICG leaders’ perceptions of disaster preparedness in rural hospitals.

Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured, focus group, and individual interviews was used. The data were analyzed through inductive content analysis.

Results: The analysis generated the main category, HICGs’ confidence in handling major incidents and four categories. These were Uncertainty and level of recognition (containing two subcategories); Awareness of challenges and risks (containing two subcategories); Factors that facilitate preparedness, response, and leadership (containing three subcategories); and Prerequisites for decision-making (containing three subcategories and four subcategories).

Conclusions: HICG leaders generally perceived their hospital’s disaster preparedness as adequate. However, preparedness was found to be influenced by several factors. The findings revealed a complex interplay of factors influencing preparedness and response, particularly highlighting challenges related to geographical isolation and resource constraints. Effective preparedness requires a comprehensive understanding of local contexts, hospital capabilities, and risks, which directly impacts training, decision-making, and resource allocation. Addressing the identified vulnerabilities necessitates targeted interventions focused on situational awareness, decision-making, collaboration, and training.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central (BMC), 2025
Keywords
Decision-making, Disaster medicine, Disaster preparedness, Hospital incident command, Major incident, Rural preparedness
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy Nursing
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-237147 (URN)10.1186/s12873-025-01201-3 (DOI)40102726 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-105000370507 (Scopus ID)
Available from: 2025-04-15 Created: 2025-04-15 Last updated: 2025-04-15Bibliographically approved
Schulz, F., Hultin, M. & Gyllencreutz, L. (2025). Self-assessment of learning outcomes in prehospital disaster response skills: instrument development and validation for mass casualty incident training. BMJ Open, 15(3), Article ID e098284.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Self-assessment of learning outcomes in prehospital disaster response skills: instrument development and validation for mass casualty incident training
2025 (English)In: BMJ Open, E-ISSN 2044-6055, Vol. 15, no 3, article id e098284Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objective: Measuring the effectiveness of mass casualty incident (MCI) scenario training is challenging due to simultaneously assessing individual skills, team dynamics, decision-making under pressure and adaptability. Existing instruments often focus too narrowly on individual skills, overlooking the comprehensive range of skills needed for effective prehospital disaster response. This study aims to develop and validate a comprehensive self-Assessment tool for prehospital disaster response skills during initial MCI scenario training.

Design: The instrument was developed and validated using a comprehensive methodology. This included literature reviews to identify the construct, ensuring content validity through expert evaluation and conducting field trials in MCI scenario training to evaluate the instrument under simulated conditions that approximated real-life incidents. The instrument's psychometric properties were assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Horn's parallel analysis, as well as Cronbach's α and item-Total correlation analysis.

Setting: Two field trials conducted with participants in Sweden during 2023 and 2024. Participants 75 students from a bachelor's programme at a Swedish university were recruited to participate in the field trials. The programme featured one semester of comprehensive theoretical and practical training in disaster medicine, including MCI response and management. 88 instruments were collected during the field trials.

Results: Overall Cronbach's α score was 0.86, indicating high internal consistency for the instrument. EFA and Horn's parallel analysis revealed a five-factor model accounting for 52.3% of the total variance: incident control and management; systematic examination procedures; risk assessment and management; stress response and impact; and triage procedures. Cronbach's α for all factors indicated good internal consistency (range: 0.74-0.85).

Conclusions: The instrument addresses a critical gap by offering a comprehensive self-evaluation tool for disaster response skills. The robust psychometric properties indicate its potential for practical implication. Future studies should explore its application in diverse training settings and populations to enhance its utility and generalisability. A comprehensive development and validation methodology ensured the high content validity of the instrument.

Keywords
accident & emergency medicine, Decision Making, medical education & training, Triage
National Category
Anesthesiology and Intensive Care
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-237382 (URN)10.1136/bmjopen-2024-098284 (DOI)001456340500001 ()40147992 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-105001331993 (Scopus ID)
Funder
EU, Horizon 2020, 101021775
Available from: 2025-04-22 Created: 2025-04-22 Last updated: 2025-04-22Bibliographically approved
Gyllencreutz, L., Karlsson, S., Sjölander, A., Björnstig, J. & Hedberg, P. (2024). Chemical incident preparedness among emergency medical service personnel. International Journal of Paramedicine (5), 103-117
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Chemical incident preparedness among emergency medical service personnel
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2024 (English)In: International Journal of Paramedicine, E-ISSN 2831-6967, no 5, p. 103-117Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: Hazardous chemicals are essential for modern society but the use and transportation of them bears the risk of major incidents. Past incidents have revealed the importance of preparation and training of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel when responding to these incidents. However, studies have shown the level of preparedness to be insufficient. There is a lack of knowledge as to how EMS personnel perceive their preparedness and response when facing chemical incidents.

Aim: The aim of this study was to qualitative investigate working procedures regarding chemical incidents among a cohort of EMS personnel.

Method: Seventeen ambulance nurses from rural and urban areas were individually interviewed using four different realistic scenarios (vignettes). The transcribed text from the interviews was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Result: The results were derived into two categories with underlying sub-categories: a struggle to organize the onsite work situation (insufficient managerial support, limited resources, trust in rescue services, difficult decision making, stressful responsibilities); and decontamination—a demanding and risky situation (risk management, work in protective gear, aggravating circumstances). Participants often lack real life experience in facing a chemical incident and training that improves preparedness and the ability to respond adequately.

Conclusion: Chemical incidents pose many challenges for EMS personnel, but with proper training efforts many of these challenges could be solved. This study has shown the need for more accessible chemical incident training targeting EMS personnel: especially focusing on risk assessment; managerial support; resource management; equipment; and decontamination, including stress management and decision-making. Research in the area of chemical incidents is sparse and there remains much to understand concerning work procedures during chemical incidents.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
National EMS Management Association, 2024
Keywords
chemical incidents, EMS, nurses, accident and emergency medicine, disasters, emergency response and management, emergency medical services, paramedicine
National Category
Nursing Occupational Health and Environmental Health
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-220563 (URN)10.56068/zwic1429 (DOI)
Available from: 2024-02-06 Created: 2024-02-06 Last updated: 2024-02-07Bibliographically approved
Hedberg, P., Saveman, B.-I. & Gyllencreutz, L. (2024). Evaluation of a collaborative multi-disciplinary train-the-trainer program for first responders in chemical, radiologic and nuclear emergencies: a pre- and post-test. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), Article ID 1027.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Evaluation of a collaborative multi-disciplinary train-the-trainer program for first responders in chemical, radiologic and nuclear emergencies: a pre- and post-test
2024 (English)In: BMC Medical Education, E-ISSN 1472-6920, Vol. 24, no 1, article id 1027Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Background: In significant events like chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) incidents, additional expertise in specific chemical substances becomes essential. Train-the-trainer programmes are used to increase knowledge and skills in a variety of fields and have been shown to be a cost-effective training method, eliminating the necessity of bringing in external experts or requiring participants to travel outside their region. Care in Hazardous Environments (CiHE) is one example of a course which comprises basic multi-disciplinary training together with personnel from rescue, police, and emergency medical services to prepare them to handle chemical and radioactive nuclear incidents. The train-the-trainer programme described in this study contains both theoretical and practical components, intended for instructors who will lead training on CiHE incidents. This study aimed to evaluate trainers’ level of knowledge before and after a train-the-trainer programme, as well as their thoughts about becoming an instructor i.e. the pedagogical competence for the Care in Hazardous Environments course.

Methods: A pre- and post-test, along with an evaluation of open-ended response options were employed to assess the effectiveness of the train-the-trainer programme for teaching the basic course (CiHE). A total of 49 participants were enrolled in the programme.

Results: Participants showed significant improvement in chemical, radiological and nuclear (CRN) response knowledge in two of the eight questions between the pre- and post-tests. The two questions that improved pertained to chemical substances and basic principles of radiation protection. Instructors trained in the train-the-trainer programme are intended to bring new knowledge, incorporate a rarely discussed topic into instruction regularly, and de-stigmatise CRN incidents by helping raise the minimum competency levels in their respective organisation.

Conclusion: An effective response to CBRNE events begins with readiness. First responders must be prepared and possess knowledge of both CRN components as well as protective gear to keep themselves and others safe at the incident scene. This study shows the importance of the train-the-trainer programme in continuing to educate police, and personnel from rescue and emergency medical services in CiHE, enable them to collaboratively prepare to handle CRN incidents.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central (BMC), 2024
Keywords
CRN response, Care in hazardous environments, CiHE, Train-the-trainer programme
National Category
Educational Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-230110 (URN)10.1186/s12909-024-06024-7 (DOI)001316998200004 ()39300470 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85204442597 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Forte, Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare
Available from: 2024-09-30 Created: 2024-09-30 Last updated: 2024-10-16Bibliographically approved
Schulz, F., Nguyen, Q., Baetzner, A., Sjöberg, D. & Gyllencreutz, L. (2024). Exploring medical first responders' perceptions of mass casualty incident scenario training: a qualitative study on learning conditions and recommendations for improvement. BMJ Open, 14(7), Article ID e084925.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Exploring medical first responders' perceptions of mass casualty incident scenario training: a qualitative study on learning conditions and recommendations for improvement
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2024 (English)In: BMJ Open, E-ISSN 2044-6055, Vol. 14, no 7, article id e084925Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Objective: Despite participating in scenario training, many medical first responders (MFRs) perceive themselves as inadequately prepared to respond to mass casualty incidents (MCIs). The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive examination of traditional MCI scenario training methods, focusing on their inherent strengths and limitations. An investigation into the perceptions of MFRs who had participated in MCI scenario training was carried out to identify potential areas for improvement and provide recommendations for refining MCI training protocols.

Design: Qualitative inductive approach using semistructured interviews that took place between October 2021 and February 2022. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Setting: MCI scenario training involving four organisations (three emergency medical services and one search-and-rescue organisation) tasked with responding to MCIs, collectively representing four European Union countries.

Participants: 27 MFRs (17 emergency medical services personnel and 10 search-and-rescue volunteers) were recruited to participate in the study.

Results: Two categories and seven associated subcategories (shown in parentheses) were identified as influencing the learning outcomes for MFRs: Training in a context mirroring real-world incidents (conducting incident scene risk assessment, realistic representation in casualties, incorporating scenario variety into the curriculum, interagency collaboration, role alignment when training incident site management) and use of a pedagogical framework (allowing for mistakes, the importance of post-training evaluation).

Conclusions: This study reaffirms the value of traditional MCI scenario training and identifies areas for enhancement, advocating for realistic scenarios, interagency collaboration, improved incident site management skills and thorough post-training evaluation. It suggests a shift in MCI training conceptualisation and delivery. The potential of virtual reality technologies as a valuable addition to training methods is explored, with a note on the need for further research to ascertain the long-term effectiveness of these technologies. However, the selection of a training method should consider programme goals, target population and resources.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, 2024
Keywords
medical education & training, nursing care, qualitative research, trauma nursing, virtual reality
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy Educational Sciences
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-227965 (URN)10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084925 (DOI)001313107100001 ()38991686 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85198605799 (Scopus ID)
Projects
Medical First Responder Training using a Mixed Reality Approach featuring haptic feedback for enhanced realism
Funder
EU, Horizon 2020, 101021775
Available from: 2024-07-24 Created: 2024-07-24 Last updated: 2025-04-24Bibliographically approved
Gyllencreutz, L. & Westman, A. (2024). Prehospitala sjuktransporter i Ukraina efter Rysslands fullskaliga invasion: lärdomar för Sverige. Umeå
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Prehospitala sjuktransporter i Ukraina efter Rysslands fullskaliga invasion: lärdomar för Sverige
2024 (Swedish)Report (Other academic)
Abstract [sv]

På uppdrag av Socialstyrelsen har Kunskapscentrum Katastrofmedicin i Umeå genomfört en rapporti syfte att kartlägga användningen av alternativa sjuktransportfordon i Ukraina efter Rysslands fullskaliga invasion. Studien utgör en del av ett regeringsuppdrag för att stärka den nationella samordningen av sjuktransporter vid fredstida kriser, höjd beredskap och krig. Metoden omfattade en litteraturgenomgång samt kvalitativa intervjuer med sjukvårdspersonal, fordonsmekaniker och representanter för hjälporganisationer i Ukraina och Sverige. Resultaten visar att alternativa fordon använts för att hantera brist på resurser, anpassa sig till hotfulla miljöer och möjliggöra fortsatt evakuering nära frontlinjen. Kamouflering lyfts fram som en strategi för ökat skydd, men medför etiska och juridiska risker om skyddsemblem inte synliggörs tydligt. Författarna rekommenderar att Sverige utvecklar riktlinjer för anpassning av sjuktransportfordon i krigssituationer, inklusive utbildning i säkerhet, beslutsfattande och internationell humanitär rätt.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Umeå: , 2024. p. 16
National Category
Other Medical Sciences
Research subject
Medicine
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-238328 (URN)
Funder
Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare
Available from: 2025-05-03 Created: 2025-05-03 Last updated: 2025-05-05Bibliographically approved
Cardós-Alonso, M. C., Inzunza, M., Gyllencreutz, L., Espinosa, S., Vázquez, T., Fernandez, M. A., . . . Cintora-Sanz, A. M. (2024). Use of self-efficacy scale in mass casualty incidents during drill exercises. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1), Article ID 745.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Use of self-efficacy scale in mass casualty incidents during drill exercises
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2024 (English)In: BMC Health Services Research, E-ISSN 1472-6963, Vol. 24, no 1, article id 745Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Introduction: Medical First Responders (MFRs) in the emergency department SUMMA 112 are tasked with handling the initial management of Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) and building response capabilities. Training plays a crucial role in preparing these responders for effective disaster management. Yet, evaluating the impact of such training poses challenges since true competency can only be proven amid a major event. As a substitute gauge for training effectiveness, self-efficacy has been suggested.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to employ a pre- and post-test assessment of changes in perceived self-efficacy among MFRs following an intervention focused on the initial management of MCI. It also aimed to evaluate a self-efficacy instrument for its validity and reliability in this type of training.

Method: In this study, we used a pretest (time 1 = T1) – post-test (time 2 = T2) design to evaluate how self-efficacy changed after a training intervention with 201 MFRs in initial MCI management. ANOVA within-subjects and between subjects analyses were used. Results: The findings reveal a noteworthy change in self-efficacy before and after training among the 201 participants. This suggests that the training intervention positively affected participants’ perceived capabilities to handle complex situations like MCI.

Conclusion: The results allow us to recommend a training program with theory components together with practical workshops and live, large-scale simulation exercises for the training of medical first responders in MCI, as it significantly increases their perception of the level of self-efficacy for developing competencies associated with disaster response.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central (BMC), 2024
Keywords
Disaster training, Emergency medical services, Mass casualty incidents, Self-efficacy, Simulation
National Category
Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-227334 (URN)10.1186/s12913-024-11175-w (DOI)001250663400001 ()38890678 (PubMedID)2-s2.0-85196192652 (Scopus ID)
Funder
EU, Horizon 2020, 101021775
Available from: 2024-07-01 Created: 2024-07-01 Last updated: 2024-07-01Bibliographically approved
Eklund, A., Karlsson, S. & Gyllencreutz, L. (2023). Building “common knowledge” when responding to major road tunnel incidents: an inter-organisational focus group study. International Journal of Emergency Services, 12(2), 145-160
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Building “common knowledge” when responding to major road tunnel incidents: an inter-organisational focus group study
2023 (English)In: International Journal of Emergency Services, ISSN 2047-0894, E-ISSN 2047-0908, Vol. 12, no 2, p. 145-160Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Purpose: Major incidents in tunnel environment will pose several challenges for the emergency service organisations in terms of heat, visibility and lack of experiences from working in confined environments. These aspects, in turn, could pose challenges to establish collaboration. This study aims to contribute to the field of collaborative tunnel responses by exploring how “common knowledge” (Edwards, 2011) is built by the emergency services organisations, that is, what the organisations consider important while working on a potentially common problem, and their motives for the interpretations and actions if a major tunnel incident occurs.

Design/methodology/approach: Participants from the road traffic control centre, emergency dispatch centre, emergency medical service, rescue service and police were included in the study. Data from four focus group sessions was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings: The study revealed that the tunnel environment presents specific aspects of how common knowledge was produced related to lifesaving and safety. The themes structuring mechanisms to reduce uncertainty, managing information for initial priorities, aligning responsibilities without hampering each other's work and adjusting actions to manage distance, illustrated how common knowledge was produced as crucial aspects to a collaborative response. Organising management sites, grasping and communicating risks, accessing the injury victims, was challenged by the confined environment, physical distances and imbalance in access to information and preparedness activities in tunnel environments.

Originality/value: This study offers new insights of common knowledge, by illustrating a motive perspective on collaborative responses in tunnel incidents. Creating interoperability calls not just for readiness for action and tunnel safety, but also training activities acknowledging different interpretations and motives to further develop tunnel responses.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2023
Keywords
Collaboration, Common knowledge, Emergency organisations, Major incident, Road tunnel
National Category
Information Systems, Social aspects
Research subject
Surgery
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-203129 (URN)10.1108/IJES-02-2022-0006 (DOI)000870106100001 ()2-s2.0-85139998758 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare
Available from: 2023-01-16 Created: 2023-01-16 Last updated: 2024-04-22Bibliographically approved
Zechner, O., García Guirao, D., Schrom-Feiertag, H., Regal, G., Uhl, J. C., Gyllencreutz, L., . . . Tscheligi, M. (2023). NextGen training for medical first responders: advancing mass-casualty incident preparedness through mixed reality technology. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 7(12), Article ID 113.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>NextGen training for medical first responders: advancing mass-casualty incident preparedness through mixed reality technology
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2023 (English)In: Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, E-ISSN 2414-4088, Vol. 7, no 12, article id 113Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Mixed reality (MR) technology has the potential to enhance the disaster preparedness of medical first responders in mass-casualty incidents through new training methods. In this manuscript, we present an MR training solution based on requirements collected from experienced medical first responders and technical experts, regular end-user feedback received through the iterative design process used to develop a prototype and feedback from two initial field trials. We discuss key features essential for an effective MR training system, including flexible scenario design, added realism through patient simulator manikins and objective performance assessment. Current technological challenges such as the responsiveness of avatars and the complexity of smart scenario control are also addressed, along with the future potential for integrating artificial intelligence. Furthermore, an advanced analytics and statistics tool that incorporates complex data integration, machine learning for data analysis and visualization techniques for performance evaluation is presented.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Basel: MDPI, 2023
Keywords
mixed reality, immersive technology, VR applications, human–computer interactions, stress, performance, paramedic training
National Category
Pedagogy Other Engineering and Technologies Other Medical Sciences not elsewhere specified
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-218104 (URN)10.3390/mti7120113 (DOI)001130966000001 ()2-s2.0-85180644049 (Scopus ID)
Funder
EU, Horizon 2020, 101021775
Available from: 2023-12-15 Created: 2023-12-15 Last updated: 2025-04-24Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-1848-060x

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