Development of the Online Education Program for Disaster Medical Assistance Staffs under COVID-19 Situation

Abstract

Since 2016, the education program for disaster medical assistance staff has been opened on an annual basis in South Korea. Traditionally, the program was composed of theory lectures about disaster medical assistance, and also a table-top simulation. Under COVID-19 (coronavirus disease-2019) restrictions, any type of meeting or training program, at any administrative agency, was restricted under South Korean social distancing guidelines. Therefore, most meetings, education or training programs have been conducted online. These education programs are quite different to face-to-face education programs. Also, the education program must include simulation training, as it is an important course component. Recently, we conducted a survey enquiring about the general characteristics and experiences of online education for trainees. Similarly, we also analyzed the results of our first online education program so as to develop new and optimal online education programs for staff. Going forward, we will incorporate online education environments for trainees and instructor expertise to ensure good online communication channels.