title: Evaluation of a combat medic skills validation test.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe validity and reliability of a skills-based test (the Semi-Annual Combat Medic Skills-Validation Test) used by the Army to determine combat medic competency. An instrumentation design was used in which a panel of experts completed a content validity index on all skills. Simulation testing was used to determine criterion validity, intrarater, interrater, and test-retest reliability. Findings revealed that needle chest decompression, Combitube insertion, and automatic external defibrillator were the only skills with low validity (content validity index < or = 0.75). Splinting was recommended as an addition to the skill test. The validity criterion of a modified postcourse Emergency Medical Technician-Basic examination score was significantly related to the Semi-Annual Combat Medic Skills-Validation Test scores (r = 0.409, p = 0.006, two tailed). There was high intra- and interrater agreement on performance steps and skills. Higher subject scores were seen on the medical skills than on the trauma skills. When retested, there was significant improvement (t = 3.268, df = 7, p < 0.014, two tailed).
authors.affiliation: Nursing Department, University of Washington, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100, USA.
authors.forename: Eileen Ann
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Hemman
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gillingham
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Allison
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D008889:Military Personnel; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D015203:Reproducibility of Results