A randomized, prospective, multisite comparison of pediatric prehospital training methods.
OBJECTIVE
Results of prehospital pediatric continuing education using train-the-trainer and CD-ROM training methods were compared to each other and to a control group. The null hypothesis was that no differences would be found in pretraining and posttraining measurements of knowledge and performance by either training method.


METHODS
This was a prospective trial involving 12 sites. Random selections were made from ambulance service lists provided by 3-state emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. Preintervention and postintervention (12-month) measurements included a written examination and 2 performance scenarios videotaped for independent panel evaluation. Training was either an interactive CD-ROM or standard classroom instruction using a train-the-trainer model. Mean differences in written, performance, and combined scores were analyzed.


RESULTS
Differences were noted in the combined and performance scores for the CD-ROM intervention group. No differences were noted in written measurements between or among the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
In this small sample, interactive CD-ROM training shows promise for improving performance. The research design, with additional guards against sample size attrition, may provide a model for multisite EMS education research.
Sanddal
Nels D
ND
*Critical Illness and Trauma Foundation, Bozeman, MT; †Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children, Des Moines, IA; ‡Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Helena, MT; §Wyoming Office of Emergency Medical Services, Cheyenne, WY; ∥Utah Emergency Medical Services for Children, Salt Lake City, UT.
Sanddal
Teri L
TL
Pullum
Jeri D
JD
Altenhofen
Katrina B
KB
Werner
Susan M
SM
Mayberry
James
J
Rushton
D Breck
DB
Dawson
Drew E
DE
D016251:CD-ROM; D002648:Child; D003479:Curriculum; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004634:Emergency Medical Technicians / Q000193:education*; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013663:Teaching; D014481:United States