Abstract
Background: The Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) course which is aimed at improving penetrating trauma management skills is very challenging to conduct. We assessed the feasibility and potential impact of ATOM training in Trinidad and Tobago through the University of Toronto Global surgery initiative and its potential for improving penetrating trauma care in this developing country. Methods: Senior General Surgical trainees were randomly assigned to participate. Other participants consisted of: an experienced international ATOM course Director, one experienced ATOM instructor, an ATOM instructor candidate, an experienced ATOM veterinary medicine technologist, 2 veterinary medicine trainees, 8 senior general surgical trainees who completed the course using the 2 student to one faculty training model. Pre and post course self efficacy scores (a measure of confidence in surgical approach) and scores on multiple choice question exams (MCQ) were compared by paired t tests. The trainees completed 5-point Likert scales to assess different components of the course. Results: The course was successfully completed locally. Mean and SD self efficacy scores improved from 55.4 ± 18.5 to 80.5 ± 9.1 and MCQ improved from 63.0 ± 8.8 to 82.5 ± 9.6 (p Conclusions: Based on trainee course performance and their evaluations, there was significant improvement in trauma skills, knowledge and attitude with enthusiastic support for continuing the program, to improve penetrating trauma care locally and extending this training to other parts of the Caribbean.
Highlights
The ATOM (Advanced Trauma Operative Management) course was initiated in Hartford Connecticut in 1998 through the pioneering work of Dr Lenworth Jacobs (Jacobs, Burns, & Kaban, 2003)
The course was adopted by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma in 2008 and has since been promulgated internationally (Jacobs, Burns, & Luk, 2005) in much the same way as the Advanced Trauma Life Support Course (Ali, Adam, & Butler, 1993; Ali & Howard, 1993; Ali, Cohen, & Adam, 1996) which is well established in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean islands
Interest in introducing ATOM training in Trinidad and Tobago has long been a goal of leading faculty surgeons of the University of the West Indies Mount Hope campus as well as general surgeons practising in other hospitals in this country
Summary
The ATOM (Advanced Trauma Operative Management) course was initiated in Hartford Connecticut in 1998 through the pioneering work of Dr Lenworth Jacobs (Jacobs, Burns, & Kaban, 2003). Interest in introducing ATOM training in Trinidad and Tobago has long been a goal of leading faculty surgeons of the University of the West Indies Mount Hope campus as well as general surgeons practising in other hospitals in this country. These surgeons communicated their interest to the American College of Surgeons, an interest that was heightened by the establishment and activities of the Trinidad and Tobago American College of Surgeons chapter. We assessed the feasibility and potential impact of ATOM training in Trinidad and Tobago through the University of Toronto Global surgery initiative and its potential for improving penetrating trauma care in this developing country. Conclusions: Based on trainee course performance and their evaluations, there was signifi-
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