Sophia Mårtensson, Rajna Knez, Charlotte Hveem: Experiential Learning in Humanitarian Crisis Response: Teaching Psychological First Aid through the Innovative Technological Tool Crises support Virtual Reality
The increasing complexity of humanitarian crises necessitates innovative, student-centered educational approaches to strengthen societal well-being (1). In alignment with the WHO’s mhGAP-HIG (2), training in Psychological First Aid (PFA) constitutes a core component of effective humanitarian response and is guided by Hobfoll et al., (3) five principles: safety, calming, self- and community efficacy, social connectedness, and hope. Traditionally, PFA training has relied on classroom based or instructor-led simulation that are resource-intensive and dependent on facilitator expertise, leading to variability in learning outcomes (4 – 6)
Generative AI-based virtual patient (genAI-VP) systems address these limitations by providing safe, repeatable, and structured learning environments in which learners can practice communication, decision-making, and crisis management skills without risk to real individuals (7,8). Grounded in Dewey’s philosophy (9,10) and further developed through Kolb’s (11) experiential learning theory, learners engage through four interconnected stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. By centering the learner in realistic, interactive simulations, communication, self-efficacy, and psychomotor skills are enhanced (4 -6), offering an innovative student-centered educational approach that facilitates learners preparedness in responding to humanitarian crises.
Sophie Mårtensson
PhD, RN, MSc, Lecturer
University of Skövde
ORCID: 0000-0002-0262-2217
Email: sophie.martensson@his.se
Rajna Knez
Professor, physician
University of Skövde
ORCID: 0000-0003-1278-4554
Email: rajna.knez@his.se
Charlotte Hveem
Regional Coordinator of Crisis Support
Västra Götaland
Coordinatior of Crisis Support
Crisis Support Coordinator
Preparedness and security
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Email: charlotte.hveem@vgregion.se
Staff Academy workshops
The INGENIUM Alliance organises Staff Academy workshops to share, transfer and showcase selected innovative pedagogical methodologies from the partner Universities. Each Staff Academy event has ten individual sessions, lasting an hour, with one from each partner university. The Staff Academy sessions are based on proposals submitted by Alliance staff implementing innovative learning methodologies or wishing to develop them in cooperation with INGENIUM partners.
Staff Academy workshops allow participants to gain and enhance their teaching and facilitation skills by providing additional time for hands-on learning and interaction with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and fields. It will also provide an appropriate framework for knowledge sharing and transfer, offer new networking opportunities, and open avenues for enhanced cooperation with the Alliance.
