Evaluation of Insight Training of Ambulance Drivers in Sweden Using DART, a New E-learning Tool

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether a new e-learning tool for insight training of ambulance drivers can have an effect on drivers’ driving behaviors, perceived driving competence, competence to assess risks, self-reflection, and safety attitudes.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study design, with participants nonrandomly assigned into a control and intervention group, was used. The intervention group participated in the insight-training course and the control group did not. Both groups completed a self- and peer assessment online questionnaire before and after the training.

Results: The main finding is that the ambulance drivers assessed themselves through the instruments after the training, with the e-learning tool Driver Access Recording Tool (DART), as safer drivers in the areas of speed adaptation, closing up, and overtaking. In the answers from the group-based evaluation, the ambulance drivers responded that they were more reflective/analytical, had increased their risk awareness, and had changed their driving behaviors.

Conclusions: After insight training, the ambulance drivers in this study assessed themselves as safer drivers in several important areas, including speed adaptation, closing up, and overtaking. In future training of ambulance drivers there should be more focus on insight training instead of previous training focusing on maneuvering capabilities.

Keywords:

• Insight training
• Evaluation
• Self-assessment
• Ambulance driving
• Ambulance
• E-learning

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The present study was funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the project Nordic Safety and Security (NSS). The authors also thank all of the ambulance drivers who participated in the study for their willingness to complete our questionnaire and Fält Communication for providing us with the e-learning tool DART.