Effect of Novel Continuing Medical Education Curriculum on Attitudes and Understanding of Primary Care Medicine for the Naval Surface Provider

ABSTRACT Introduction: Naval Surface Forces provide care in austere environments with unique facility, personnel, and material limitations that can put the patient at risk without proper consideration of these circumstances. Tailored shipboard education currently exists but is greatly dependent on the time, preferences, expertise, and ability of a single teaching officer, allowing for significant variability in the level of training. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-two individuals were trained in 19 topics presented over 12 months through the Naval Surface Forces Pacific Command Medical Readiness Division to all surface providers on Naval Base San Diego. Participants completed pre- and post-course assessments for each training session based on the objectives of the lesson, as well as reassessments and subjective course critiques every 3 months. Results: Fifteen of 19 courses showed more than 20% improvement, with a range of improvement from 21 to 67%, and an average of 30% (95% confidence in...