The educational outcomes of an online pilot workshop in CBRNe emergencies

ABSTRACT

Background: In the past 20 years, humanity, particularly in the Middle East, has experienced three outbreaks of coronavirus disease, restricting our ordinary activities. In addition to the growing risk of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents, discussing an alternative to the usual refresher or first-time face-to-face disaster preparedness education is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the participants' educational outcomes following their participation in the "HazMat/CBRNe in the context of mass gatherings"online pilot workshop, which used PowerPoint presentations, a remotely facilitated tabletop exercise, and videos. Methods and Analysis: This was a retrospective quantitative analysis study based on the participants' pre- and post-workshop session 1 multiple choice assessment scores and their evaluation results. Result(s) Although it was based on a small number of participants, the implemented workshop helped accomplish the participants' educational outcomes. Conclusion(s) This study demonstrated that this online workshop helped fulfil the participants' educational needs and familiarize them with the concept of readiness and preparedness for CBRNe threats in mass gatherings;hence, it should be conducted again for other participants. The increasing worldwide use of CBRN agents in industries and bioterrorism heightens the need to ensure appropriate healthcare workers' readiness through practical, innovative continuous professional development tools in times of pandemics.Copyright © 2022 Farhat, Laughton, Joseph, Abougalala, Dhiab, Alinier, licensee HBKU Press.