|
Abstract
|
The recently published Model Core Content of Disaster Medicine introduces proposed curriculum elements for specialized education and training in Disaster Medicine. This editorial comments on the publishing decision for the manuscript.
In the recently published paper, "The 2023 Model Core Content of Disaster Medicine," the authors present a proposed curriculum for future education and specialty training of health professionals in the specialty of Disaster Medicine. Reference Wexler, Schultz, Biddinger, Ciottone, Cornelius, Fuller, Lefort, Milsten, Phillips and Nemeth1 The curriculum is the culmination of work done by United States based disaster experts. As noted by the authors, the proposed curriculum is expected to go through evolutionary changes that reflect the basic and current elements for a Disaster Medicine subspecialty certification program.
Research in Disaster Medicine is frequently based on developing the best conclusions with limited or uncertain evidence. When the conclusions involve setting priorities, developing guidelines, building curricula, or forecasting the future, the Delphi Method can be an appropriate tool. In "The 2023 Model Core Content of Disaster Medicine," Bryan Wexler and colleagues use the Delphi method to develop the proposed curriculum framework for fellowship training in Disaster Medicine.
The Wexler manuscript proposing the Disaster Medicine curriculum is unique and has been published in the original research category at the discretion of the Prehospital and Disaster Medicine Editor. The manuscript was selected for publication partly due to the time-sensitive need for academic discussion of the proposed curriculum. Of note is that blinded peer reviewers of the manuscript brought forward two areas of concern, which this editorial addresses.
A reviewer concern was the validity and use of the Delphi method for development of the elements of the curriculum. Delphi studies are never a substitute for rigorous statistical techniques such as experiments, quasi-experiments, or prospective observational designs. However, when the topic is unsuitable for more formal methods, Delphi studies can offer a means to attain consensus that is more structured than focus groups or expert panels. For instance, in this article, the authors explore core competencies unique to fellowship training in Disaster Medicine. The authors note that although previous studies have developed curricula for Disaster Medicine topics within emergency medicine programs, this study is the first to address the unique needs of specialist or fellowship training. As such, this topic is ideal for the Delphi method...
Language: en |