Using nominal group technique to identify the planning considerations for UK Armed Forces medical personnel delivering defence engagement first aid training activities.

Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101761581 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2633-3775 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 26333767 NLM ISO Abbreviation: BMJ Mil Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: [London] : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., [2020]-

First Aid*/methods ; Military Personnel*/statistics & numerical data ; Military Personnel*/education ; Focus Groups*/methods; Humans ; United Kingdom ; Health Personnel/education ; Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data

Introduction: Defence Medical Services personnel regularly deploy overseas to deliver training activities as part of defence engagement (DE) to positively influence partners and others. There remains scope for medical planners to enhance our understanding of how to optimally use medical staff and assets for DE. We aimed to develop a tool to improve planning for DE activities delivering first aid training.
Methods: We used nominal group technique to conduct a focus group with UK experts in planning first aid training DE activities to identify and prioritise important planning considerations within a conceptual framework based on the Defence Lines of Development. We validated and refined this framework with international experts from partner nation militaries to help strengthen the final planning tool.
Results: We developed a detailed tool covering training curriculum and logistical and infrastructure requirements to deliver safe and effective DE training activities. First aid training engagement priorities include being tailored to the training audience and in harmony with the national or military healthcare services of that country. Messaging around the women, peace and security agenda should be integrated into training packages at conception to be effective.
Conclusions: We propose a planning tool to aid in designing first aid training that considers the necessary components to support meaningful education and effective engagement in support of UK's strategic goals. We welcome the use of and feedback on this tool and its impact to those planning first aid training activities as part of DE operations.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.
(© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Keywords: International health services; MEDICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Date Created: 20231117 Date Completed: 20240719 Latest Revision: 20240719

20240720

10.1136/military-2023-002477

37977878