Evaluation of the World Health Organization—International Committee of the Red Cross Basic Emergency Care course for senior medical students

Abstract

Abstract Background The Basic Emergency Care: Approach to the acutely ill and injured course was developed to train health care providers to recognize, stabilize, and treat critically ill patients in resource-limited settings. This study evaluates the Basic Emergency Care course as a tool for improving the emergency medicine knowledge and skills of medical students in a lower-middle income country. Methods This prospective study was conducted with senior medical students at the University of Nairobi School of Medicine in October 2021. Participants’ knowledge was assessed with multiple choice pre- and post-course examinations. Pre- and post-course surveys assessed participants’ confidence in managing acutely ill and injured patients using a 4-point Likert scale. Results A total of 30 students from the graduating medical school class participated in the study. Post-course examination scores (mean 94.5%, range 80–100%) showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) compared to pre-course examination scores (mean 82%, range 64–96%). Participants’ comfort and confidence in providing emergency care and performing critical emergency skills significantly increased (p < 0.05) between the pre- and post-course surveys. Conclusion These findings suggest that the Basic Emergency Care course is effective in providing senior medical students with basic emergency medicine knowledge and increasing their confidence to identify and address life-threatening conditions prior to their intern year.

Keywords

• Emergency medicine education
• Training
• Emergency care