A randomized, prospective, multisite comparison of pediatric prehospital training methods.

Objective: Results of prehospital pediatric continuing education using train-the-trainer and CD-ROM training methods were compared to each other and to a control group. The null hypothesis was that no differences would be found in pretraining and posttraining measurements of knowledge and performance by either training method.

Methods: This was a prospective trial involving 12 sites. Random selections were made from ambulance service lists provided by 3-state emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. Preintervention and postintervention (12-month) measurements included a written examination and 2 performance scenarios videotaped for independent panel evaluation. Training was either an interactive CD-ROM or standard classroom instruction using a train-the-trainer model. Mean differences in written, performance, and combined scores were analyzed.

Results: Differences were noted in the combined and performance scores for the CD-ROM intervention group. No differences were noted in written measurements between or among the groups.

Conclusion: In this small sample, interactive CD-ROM training shows promise for improving performance. The research design, with additional guards against sample size attrition, may provide a model for multisite EMS education research.