The spread of COVID-19 has made it difficult to provide training in medical treatment in a radiation disaster. In this study, we will examine the effects and challenges of using a hybrid approach that combines online and face-to-face components.

A total of 5 face-to face and 25 online medical staff participated in the training program. This program was conducted by using multiple cameras for live coverage, while protective clothing and decontamination kits had been sent in advance to the participants so that they could experience face-to-face and online learning at the same time.

Participants reported a high level of satisfaction and achievement with the style of delivery. They also experienced problems such as fatigue due to long hours, and dissatisfaction with the debriefing.

In designing new online training, it is necessary to consider the quantity and content of the program, and to take participant fatigue into consideration.

In Japan, with the revision of the Nuclear Emergency Response Guidelines in 2015, nuclear emergency medical assistance teams responsible for the medical treatment in the acute phase of nuclear disaster have been developed nationwide. The purpose of this research is to develop active learning materials for the education of medical staff, to confirm the educational effect of the materials, and to identify the gaps in nuclear disaster risk reduction in Japan.

We established a working group and created active learning materials. We trained members of the nuclear emergency medical assistance team using the developed active learning materials and then conducted a questionnaire survey for trainees who participated in the training.

Regarding the developed teaching materials, out of 33 trainees, 33 (100%) answered “easy to understand” or “a little understandable” to the item dealing with how to use the radiation detectors and attaching/detaching personal protective equipment. Regarding the simulation about practicing hospital support and medical provision, 3 (8%) answered “a little confusing.”

The study demonstrated that the developed materials have an educational effect. Additionally, the results of the trainee questionnaire showed the necessity for improvement in the triage system and new protocols to help both the patients and responders.