Comparing simulation-based workshops and virtual lectures for disaster preparedness training during the Hajj
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN14441982 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14441982 |
| Sponsor | King Abdullah International Medical Research Center |
| Funder | Investigator initiated and funded |
- Submission date
- 05/10/2026
- Registration date
- 20/10/2026
- Last edited
- 19/10/2026
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Healthcare workers need to be ready to respond safely and effectively to disasters and other emergencies. This is especially important during the Hajj, when very large numbers of people gather in one area. Training can be provided in different ways, including practical simulation exercises and online teaching.
This study compared two ways of teaching healthcare trainees about disaster management during the Hajj. One group took part in a practical, simulation-based workshop, while another group attended a virtual lecture. The researchers wanted to find out how well each method improved participants’ knowledge of disaster management and their confidence in responding to disasters
Who can participate?
Healthcare students and residents aged 18 to 65 years who were taking part in the disaster management education programme could participate. They needed to be eligible for either the simulation-based workshop or the virtual lecture, agree to take part and provide written informed consent, and be able to complete assessments before and after the training
What does the study involve?
A total of 180 participants took part in the study. Participants received one of two types of disaster preparedness training
One group attended simulation-based disaster management workshops on 28 and 30 January 2021. These workshops used realistic disaster scenarios to give participants practical experience of responding to and managing disasters. The scenarios were followed by structured discussions in which participants could review and discuss what had happened
The other group attended a virtual lecture about disaster management on 23 February 2021
Before and immediately after the training, participants completed a short questionnaire to assess their knowledge of disaster management and an assessment of their confidence in managing disasters. Participants also completed a questionnaire about their experience of the training immediately afterwards. Those who took part in the simulation training were also asked about the quality of the discussion and feedback that followed the simulation
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may have improved their knowledge of disaster management and their confidence in responding to emergencies. The training may also have helped prepare them for responding to disasters during the Hajj
The study record does not describe any specific risks or disadvantages of taking part
Where is the study run from?
The study was carried out in Saudi Arabia and was associated with King Abdullah International Medical Research Center
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2021 to February 2021.
Who is funding the study?
The study was funded by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center in Saudi Arabia
Who is the main contact?
Dr Israa Mallii, mallii@ksau-hs.edu.sa
Contact information
Public, Scientific
awwad alqabdi
9048
Jeddah
23345
Saudi Arabia
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-7361-5271 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +966 563633123 |
| mallii@ksau-hs.edu.sa |
Principal investigator
awwad alqabdi
9048
Jeddah
23345
Saudi Arabia
| Phone | +966 563633123 |
|---|---|
| WazzanAH@Mngha.med.sa |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | Non-randomized controlled trial |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) |
| Control | Active |
| Assignment | Parallel |
| Purpose | Educational intervention / disaster preparedness training |
| Scientific title | Effectiveness of simulation-based disaster management training in enhancing response skills during the Hajj mass gathering: an experimental study |
| Study objectives | To compare the effectiveness of a simulation-based workshop and a virtual lecture in improving disaster management knowledge and self-confidence among healthcare trainees preparing for disaster response during the Hajj mass gathering. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 07/09/2020, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC) (awwad alqabdi, 9048, Jeddah, 23345, Saudi Arabia; +966 12 224 6660; ROAdmin@kaimrc.edu.sa), ref: RJ20/136/J |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Disaster preparedness and emergency response among healthcare trainees during the Hajj mass gathering |
| Intervention | Participants received one of two educational interventions for disaster preparedness during the Hajj mass gathering. The intervention group participated in simulation-based disaster management workshops conducted on 28 and 30 January 2021. The workshops used immersive disaster scenarios to provide experiential training in disaster response and management, followed by structured discussion and debriefing. The comparison group received a virtual lecture on disaster management on 23 February 2021. Knowledge and self-confidence were assessed before and after the educational interventions to compare changes within and between the two groups. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Completion date | 23/02/2021 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 180 |
| Total final enrolment | 180 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Healthcare students and residents participating in the disaster management educational program 2. Eligible to participate in either the simulation-based workshop or virtual lecture 3. Willing to participate in the study and provide written informed consent 4. Able to complete the pre- and post-intervention assessments |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Individuals who provided no informed consent 2. Did not complete the educational intervention 3. Had incomplete pre- or post-intervention assessments |
| Date of first enrolment | 28/01/2021 |
| Date of final enrolment | 23/02/2021 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Saudi Arabia
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Editorial Notes
05/10/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC).
