The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Human Research and Engineering Directorate (HRED), Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC) enhances warfighter readiness through research and development of engineering solutions by placing the right technology in the hands of soldiers in the shortest time. To accomplish that goal, the STTC supports training transformation and the promotion of learning to reach diverse Army specialties, such as medical training. Contributing to the efforts of specialized Army medical training, the present work expands on research the team conducted under a 2013 Front-End Analysis (FEA) examining Army nursing training gaps and best practices. Participants reported the largest barrier to using the available simulators is in creating and implementing appropriate scenarios.
To determine whether other military medical training personnel report the same barrier, a follow-on FEA was conducted targeting combat medics (also known as 68W), who serve as specialized warfighters tasked with providing pre-hospital care under the complex and stressful conditions of conflict. Scenario-based training is an integral part of their required course for the 68W designation. Effective scenarios that incorporate best practices in the use of available simulators create the conditions to maximize Return on Investment (ROI).
The data collected from the combat medic FEA will be leveraged to provide recommendations for best practices in scenario design and Simulation-Based Training (SBT). These recommendations are intended as practical, jargon-free considerations that training developers and decision makers can apply to combat medic training. The best practices include, but are not limited to, the following areas: integrating simulation into training curriculum, methods for debriefing and achieving skill acquisition, methods for achieving critical thinking, confidence and perceived competency, and evaluation/assessment. The paper will close by mapping out the relationship between successful scenario development and return on investment for simulation technologies to support the larger STTC mission.