Evaluation of Highly Realistic Training for Navy Corpsmen: Results for Field Medical Training Battalion-West

Abstract : In this study, a sample of corpsmen students attending Field Medical Training Battalion West (FMTB West) participated in highly realistic training. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess the corpsmen participants satisfaction with highly realistic training, and (2) assess the impact of highly realistic training on participants self-efficacy (i.e., confidence), perceived readiness, and career intentions. Corpsmen participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the training overall and with specific elements of the training. The aspect of the training that was rated highest by participants was the use of live actors. Comparisons of pretest and posttest survey responses revealed that the training produced significant increases in participants levels of general, occupational, and task-specific self-efficacy, as well as their perceived readiness. Overall, these results suggest that highly realistic training is a useful and effective method for training corpsmen. It is suggested that highly realistic training be extended to other populations of military medical providers.