JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Serious games (SGs) have emerged as engaging and instructional digital simulation tools, which are increasingly being utilized for military medical training. However, the assessment of these SGs as innovative tools for learning and training remains unclear. In this study, we developed a SG called Mobile Medical Support (MMS) focused on tactical combat casualty care (TCCC) to facilitate the practice and evaluation of mass casualty care and rescue reasoning skills.

Objective:

The purpose of this paper is to describe the creation and production of MMS and to present its deployment.

Methods:

We developed MMS using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technology, including Ali Cloud server, OSS object storage, and Linux software. To evaluate the effectiveness of the MMS, a randomized observational comparative trial was conducted. A total of 148 members from mobile medical logistics teams were recruited for training. Pre- and post-training assessments were conducted using two different formats: a video-based online course (Module I of MMS, n=78) and a game simulation (Module III of MMS, n=70). Three evaluation instruments were designed based on the Kirkpatrick model to measure trainees' satisfaction, knowledge proficiency, and self-confidence.

Results:

The MMS included four functional modules: micro-courses (video-based online course), self-test, game simulation, and record query. The results indicated no significant difference in trainees' satisfaction between the two training methods (z=-0.899, p=0.369). However, the game simulation method outperformed the video-based online course in terms of learning proficiency (t=-2.324, p=0.022), self-perception (t=-5.492, p<0.05), and overall performance.

Conclusions:

Despite the high satisfaction reported by trainees for both training methods, the game simulation approach demonstrated superior efficiency and acceptance in terms of knowledge acquisition, self-perception, and overall performance. The developed MMS holds significant potential as an essential assessment tool for evaluating frontline rescue skills and rescue reasoning in mobile medical logistics teams. Clinical Trial: This study obtained ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of Chinese PLA General Hospital (S2021-043-01). Informed consent was obtained from all participants.