JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Disaster medicine education increasingly emphasizes situational awareness and a proactive disaster mindset as crucial competencies for effective response. Situational awareness involves comprehending the disaster environment to make informed decisions under pressure, while a disaster mindset encompasses psychological resilience and effective functioning amidst chaos. Integrating technologies into simulation training allows experiential learning that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the current status of teaching these concepts and the use of technology in fostering SA and a DMS, both individually and collectively, as well as locally, regionally, and transnationally, by reviewing the existing literature.

Methods:

This paper explores the integration of technology into disaster medicine education through a scoping review of scientific studies and publications, supplemented by a Google search for gray literature and official publications from relevant organizations.

Results:

Simulation training using virtual and augmented reality immerses learners in realistic disaster scenarios, enhancing situational awareness and stress management. Data analytics and GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping provide real-time information for better decision-making, while communication technologies like social media analysis tools offer insights into evolving disaster landscapes. Integrating these technologies into education bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring students are well-prepared for emergencies through experiential learning that fosters cognitive understanding and psychological preparedness.

Conclusions:

Simulation training using virtual and augmented reality enhances situational awareness and stress management, bridging the gap between theory and practice through experiential learning. The findings from this review highlight current pedagogical approaches and technological applications, identifying gaps and future directions for enhancing disaster medicine education.