Multi-stakeholder disaster healthcare training as a figurine-based tabletop simulation in coastal Karnataka, India: a kinesthetic teaching–learning experience
摘要
Periodic disaster preparedness training is the cornerstone for strengthening coordinated response across multiple tiers of the healthcare system. Integrated multistakeholder training models that are scalable and resource-efficient remain less frequent in low- and middle-income settings.
ObjectiveTo evaluate a structured, stakeholder-specific disaster preparedness training program incorporating figurine-based tabletop simulation as a tactile, kinesthetic learning approach.
MethodsA pre–post educational intervention study was conducted in a tertiary care academic teaching hospital in South India. Seventy-eight participants were enrolled across three stakeholder groups: Emergency Healthcare Professionals (n = 26), Hospital Administrators (n = 26), and Community Frontline Workers (n = 26). The intervention comprised lectures, scenario walkthroughs, and tabletop exercises using miniature figurines to simulate disaster environments. Outcomes were assessed using a structured questionnaire mapped to three domains: Understanding and Awareness; Preparedness and Strategic Planning; and Operational Response and Implementation. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
ResultsAll three stakeholder groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in post-training scores across all domains (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes observed for overall score changes.
ConclusionFigurine-based, kinesthetic tabletop simulation may serve as a scalable and context-adaptable training approach for improving disaster preparedness knowledge, perceived preparedness, and scenario-based decision-making across clinical, administrative, and community stakeholders in resource-limited settings.