Chinese Journal of Medical Education

Chinese Journal of Medical Education ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (6): 471-475.DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20250619-00686

• Continuing Medical Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Design and implementation of emergency drill training in large general hospitals based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory

Liu Shuang1, Zhang Hongliang2, He Zhibiao3, Huang Lingzhi4, Wu Sijie1, Zeng Huihui5   

  1. 1Department of Medical Affairs, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
    2Department of Emergency Medicine Affairs, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
    3National Emergency Medical Rescue Base, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
    4Department of Nursing, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
    5Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
  • Received:2025-06-19 Online:2026-06-01 Published:2026-05-28
  • Contact: Zeng Huihui, Email: bonemarrow@csu.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Education and Teaching Reform Research Project of Central South University (2023jy199)

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Abstract: To enhance the emergency response capabilities of large public hospitals in addressing public emergencies, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University designed a 12-hour emergency exercise program themed ″Exercise-After-action Review-Training-Re-exercise″ based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and in accordance with relevant national and Hunan provincial policies and institutional requirements during March and April 2025. A combination of multiple methods was adopted for implementation among 132 medical staff (referred to as ″trainees″), and the exercise effect was evaluated through questionnaire and expert assessments. Primary outcomes indicated that 123 (93.2%) trainees reported a better grasp of rapid management process for critical and acute illnesses; 126 (95.5%) trainees demonstrated improved interprofessional teamwork competence; 125 (94.7%) trainees showed enhanced emergency decision-making quality and operational compliance; and 125 (94.7%) trainees confirmed that they benefited from the exercise in improving practical treatment capabilities. Secondary outcomes related to training satisfaction revealed that 128 (97.0%) trainees found the exercise content closely aligned with clinical practice; 124 (93.9%) trainees reported that the instructors' explanations were clear; and 119 (90.2%) trainees recognized the high-fidelity of the scenarios. Notably, the number of problems identified in the re-exercise decreased from 34 in the initial exercise to 9, among which issues related to command and coordination, logistic support, and venue-personnel arrangement were eliminated. Emergency exercise based on Kolb's ELT not only improves individual emergency operational capabilities but also optimizes hospital interprofessional teamwork. It facilitates the rapid enhancement of large public hospitals' emergency response capability in dealing with public emergencies, thus to serve as a reference for exercise initiatives in large public hospitals.

Key words: Medical staff, Emergency drill, Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, Scenario-based simulation, Large general hospital

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