Results of the 2025 Training Program for Healthcare Workers in Emerging and Bioterrorism-related Infectious Disease Response.

OBJECTIVES

The 2025 training program for healthcare workers in emerging and bioterrorism-related infectious disease response was conducted to develop professionals capable of responding rapidly to outbreaks. This study analyzed the program's results, evaluated its effectiveness, and proposed future directions for improvement.

METHODS

The curriculum comprised 14 sessions divided into three basic and four advanced courses. The basic curriculum included a new 1-day intensive course on Level C personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing. The advanced curriculum strengthened response capabilities through tabletop and field exercises. Effectiveness was evaluated using Level 1 and 2 of the Kirkpatrick Model, focusing on academic achievement, practical confidence, and knowledge improvement.

RESULTS

A total of 234 participants completed the program, achieving a completion rate of 101.7% of the target. Mean training satisfaction was high at 4.74/5. Academic achievement improved by 58.2%, practical confidence by 87.6%, and knowledge by 13.3%, with the greatest gain observed in practical confidence. In addition, a 100% pass rate in the Level C PPE assessment demonstrated improvement in practical competency.

CONCLUSIONS

The program effectively improved both theoretical knowledge and practical competency. Practice-based education played a key role in enhancing training effectiveness. For the overall improvement of the program, expansion of simulation-based exercises needs to be considered.