Panamerican Trauma Society Basic Trauma Education Course Administration in Resource-limited Areas

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives Injuries and noncommunicable diseases account for greater than 73% deaths and 76% disability adjusted life years (DALYs) in Latin America, where trauma care is challenging especially when resources are scarce. Education and training is a basic step in trauma systems development, which was shown to improve survival. Except for urban areas, trauma courses are unavailable and unaffordable in the Latin region. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of implementation of a basic trauma education course (BTC) for resource-limited areas adopted and promulgated by the Panamerican Trauma Society (PTS) since 2011. Materials and methods Basic trauma education course was administered in Paraguay, Medellin, Chile, and Panama during the PTS congresses (2011-2013). The two-day course was based on the patient's pathway system, addressing the management of the patient through various echelon of care from rural health centers to local provincial hospital and tertiary treatment facilities. It contained 20 hours of didactic lectures and hands on skill labs on basic trauma resuscitation, stabilization, and transport, as well as trauma system-oriented teaching (triage, EMS, kinematics, trauma registries). Panamerican Trauma Society international and national instructors administered the courses. Course logistics and coordination were carried out by international and local coordinators and by trauma league medical students. Pre and post (30 multiple-choice questions) tests were used to assess participants. Paired t-test was used to compare scores. Results Fifty-four students (rural physicians, EMS providers, students, nurses, and administrators) participated. Pre and posttest score comparison showed significant improvement 74% vs 85% respectively, p-value < 0.0001. Conclusion A tailored trauma course and evaluation can be feasible in educating local providers. The PTS can promulgate the application of BTCs that may serve as a model for continuing trauma care education in developing countries. Course follow-up evaluation is pending. How to cite this article Mata LV, Mora FE, Quiodettis M, Fischer J, Machain GM, Salamea JC, Rodas EB, Aboutanos MB. Panamerican Trauma Society Basic Trauma Education Course Administration in Resource-limited Areas. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(2):83-87.