Towards a Systematic Approach for the Assessment of Emergency Medical Teams Performance – Promoting and Developing the Implementation of After-Action Reviews

Abstract

Background/Introduction:

A standardized system for assessing Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) performance is essential for enhancing EMT preparedness, response, and quality assurance. An after-action review (AAR) is a qualitative tool used to evaluate actions taken during emergencies, identifying best practices, gaps, and lessons learned. While AARs have been widely applied to assess national emergency responses, their use for evaluating EMT performance is scarcely documented, and guidance is lacking.

Objectives:

This proposal aims to promote and support the development of a systematic approach for the assessment of EMT performance during emergencies, through the implementation of suitable AARs methodologies following deployments.

Method/Description:

We propose a collaborative approach encompassing academic institutions, EMTs, WHO Secretariat, and other relevant stakeholders, which can focus on developing, testing, and implementing AARs tailored for EMTs by integrating scientific methods and field experiences.

Results/Outcomes:

Proposed strategy includes actions to:

• - Revise previously conducted AARs assessing EMT deployments, including methodology, pillars assessed, feasibility, resources, application of results.

• - Identify key elements for a systematic AAR approach that best evaluates EMT performance.

• - Test the feasibility and appropriateness of different AARs methodologies in different contexts and emergencies.

• - Develop guidance for the implementation of ARRs following EMT deployments, both to assess individual EMT performance and overall EMT response.

• - Identify/create a system for sharing AARs, enabling a systematic analysis of experiences from which new knowledge and conclusions are generated.

Conclusion:

Collaborative efforts to guide AAR use for the assessment of EMT performance will lead to evidence-based recommendations that strengthen EMT response capacities and contribute to the EMT 2030 Strategic Objectives.