Expanding Interprofessional Education Between Healthcare Professionals and First Responders Using Disruptive Technology

Introduction: Interprofessional education has been shown to positively impact collaborative learning amongst healthcare professionals. However, studies have not been conducted to analyze whether interprofessional education... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction:
Interprofessional education has been shown to positively impact collaborative learning amongst healthcare professionals. However, studies have not been conducted to analyze whether interprofessional education can translate to positive learning outcomes between healthcare professionals and other members involved in the care of patients. First responders represent a large group of individuals that vary greatly in terms of levels of education and medical knowledge. In most of the United States, EMS, firefighters, and police officers, represent the most common first responders in trauma situations. In many developing countries and rural parts of the US, access to trauma sites by first responders is limited due to distance from the scene and distance to medical professionals. We sought to analyze whether collaborative training in ultrasound techniques amongst healthcare professionals and pre-hospital first responders would result in mutual improvement in learning quality and may help overcome the delays in triage due to distance from medical professionals.
Methods:
Pre-hospital first responders, such as EMTs and firefighters, were recruited along with medical and PA students to participate in a collaborative course on Point of Care Ultrasound in the trauma triage. The didactic sessions were run by qualified trauma physicians. Medical and PA students led a hands-on training session on use of hand held ultrasound. The students and first responders collaborated to identify abnormal findings on ultrasound and discussed changes in management. The course covered pathophysiology and ultrasound findings for cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and assessment of the Internal Jugular vein for vascular volume. Finally, management of abnormal findings were discussed and techniques were taught by the first responders.
A post-course survey was administered to assess the effectiveness of the training and whether improved care would result. Finally, the educational content and IPE format was assessed with interviews and open questions.
Results:
26 participants were involved in this pilot program. 20 were first responders, 6 were students from the PA school and medical school. 95% of first responders found the training helpful and felt it would reduce mortality in trauma patients. 100% of students found the course helpful and felt ultrasound would be useful in trauma triage. 100% of participants found the educational program enjoyable and felt the mixture of students and first responders allowed each a better understanding of each individual’s roles in the care of the patient.
Conclusions:
We have shown that Interprofessional Education is effective when first responders are incorporated in the educational curriculum. Furthermore, we have extended the collaborative learning environment outside of the traditional models of medical personnel. We believe ultrasound based training models can be used to improve teamwork between first responders and the trauma physicians while reducing mortality by decreasing the delay in definitive triage; thus, overcoming the issue of distance in rural settings.