Keywords: Primary Care; Patient Safety; e-learning

Introduction:

ABCDE (Airway–Breathing–Circulation–Disability–Exposure) approach is an internationally accepted systematic method for the rapid assessment and initial management of critically ill patients. Despite its central role in emergency care, evidence shows that consistent and correct application of the ABCDE approach in clinical practice—particularly at the primary healthcare level—remains suboptimal. Rare exposure to critically ill patients, high stress levels, and cognitive overload contribute to deviations from established protocols. The recent European Resuscitation Council 2025 guidelines emphasise the importance of structured education, simulation-based training, and the integration of digital technologies to support clinical performance. To address these challenges, a mobile application, A-Esist, was developed as a digital cognitive aid and educational tool to support the ABCDE approach in primary care settings.

Method:

The A-Esist mobile application was developed in Community Health Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia, as a multifunctional tool supporting the ABCDE approach across three contexts: 1) simulation-based education, enabling structured and repeatable training scenarios; 2) self-directed learning outside the clinical environment; and 3) real-time cognitive support in clinical practice. The application provides step-by-step guidance, reminders, and structured sequencing aligned with current guidelines, aiming to reduce omissions and support timely decision-making in high-stress situations.

Results:

A-Esist integrates educational content, clinical structure, and decision-support principles into a single mobile platform. The application facilitates standardisation of the ABCDE approach, enhances user confidence, and supports adherence to evidence-based protocols. By serving simultaneously as a learning tool and a point-of-care cognitive aid, A-Esist bridges the gap between simulation training and real-world clinical performance, particularly in environments with limited exposure to critically ill patients.

Conclusions:

The A-Esist mobile application represents an innovative digital solution that supports systematic patient assessment, enhances patient safety, and promotes standardised emergency care at the primary healthcare level. Integrating mobile cognitive aids with simulation-based education may significantly improve the quality and reliability of care for critically ill patients.