Perceived Strengths and Weaknesses of Highly Realistic Training and Live Tissue Training for Navy Corpsmen

Abstract : The U.S. Navy currently employs two types of trauma care training for Navy corpsmen: highly realistic training and live tissue training. Highly realistic training is a scenario-based training method that is uniquely crafted to replicate real-life combat settings. Live tissue training involves the use of live specimens (typically pigs or goats) to practice specific hands-on medical skills. The objective of this study was to obtain subjective information regarding the perceived effectiveness and the strengths and weaknesses of highly realistic training and live tissue training. The sample consisted of 25 Navy service members assigned to the Independent Duty Corpsman School, Surface Warfare Medical Institute in San Diego, CA. Participants completed brief surveys and semi-structured interviews. Results showed that participants perceived both types of training as equally effective on most dimensions. However, some unique strengths and weakness were reported for each type of training. While live tissue training may be better for practicing specific medical skills, highly realistic training may be better for preparing corpsmen for high stress, operational settings. Additional research is needed to improve highly realistic training and to extend its use to other military medical provider populations.