Evaluation of an Advanced Trauma Life Support course in Taiwan

Abstract

The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course was implemented in Taiwan by the Taiwan Surgical Association in 1996. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the ATLS course increases physicians' ability to care for severely injured patients and to identify areas for improvement in running the course. We prospectively collected the demographic data of participants for the ATLS provider and refresher courses held in 2012. We analyzed the passing rates (PRs) of the courses stratified by age, sex, types of hospitals, levels of trauma centers, and participant subspecialty. We also compared the students' pre- and post-test responses to multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 274 and 258 participants attended the provider and refresher courses, respectively. Five hundred (94%) participants were from either medical centers or regional hospitals and 437 also worked at trauma centers. The PR was affected by the age and the levels of the trauma centers in which the participants worked but not by sex or levels of training. More post-test MCQs on initial assessment and airway management topics were answered correctly than were pretest MCQs on the same topics ( p < 0.0001). By comparison, more responses to shock-management MCQs were answered incorrectly ( p < 0.0001). The ATLS course is a critical learning experience for physicians treating trauma patients. Junior house staff and physicians working at local hospitals, particularly those in rural areas, should be encouraged to attend the ATLS course.