Evaluation of the World Health Organization—International Committee of the Red Cross Basic Emergency Care course for senior medical students

Abstract

Background: The Basic Emergency Care: Approach to the acutely ill and injured course was developed to train health care providers to recognize, stabilize, and treat critically ill patients in resource-limited settings. This study evaluates the Basic Emergency Care course as a tool for improving the emergency medicine knowledge and skills of medical students in a lower-middle income country. Methods: This prospective study was conducted with senior medical students at the University of Nairobi School of Medicine in October 2021. Participants’ knowledge was assessed with multiple choice pre- and post-course examinations. Pre- and post-course surveys assessed participants’ confidence in managing acutely ill and injured patients using a 4-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 30 students from the graduating medical school class participated in the study. Post-course examination scores (mean 94.5%, range 80–100%) showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) compared to pre-course examination scores (mean 82%, range 64–96%). Participants’ comfort and confidence in providing emergency care and performing critical emergency skills significantly increased (p < 0.05) between the pre- and post-course surveys. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the Basic Emergency Care course is effective in providing senior medical students with basic emergency medicine knowledge and increasing their confidence to identify and address life-threatening conditions prior to their intern year.