Trauma mannequin assessment of management skills of surgical residents after advanced trauma life support training.

Abstract

We tested the effectiveness of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) training among surgical residents using a specially designed mannequin. Thirty-two Postgraduate Year I surgical residents were randomly assigned to two groups of 16 each. By use of a trauma mannequin, the 32 residents' performances were scored using four trauma scenarios before 16 residents (ATLS group) completed a standard ATLS course. Performances were also scored after the ATLS course on another four trauma scenarios. The scores were standardized to a maximum of 20 for each scenario. Organized Approach scores with a range of 1 to 5, Priority scores ranging from 1 to 7, and global ratings of Honors, Pass, Borderline, or Fail were assigned for each clinical scenario. The pre-ATLS assessment scores were similar for both groups ranging between 9.4 +/- 3.5 and 11.4 +/- 2.9 for the ATLS group and between 10.2 +/- 3.8 and 11.4 +/- 3.9 for the non-ATLS group. The ATLS group scores ranged from 16.0 +/- 1.3 to 17.4 +/- 3.1 after the course and the non-ATLS group scores ranged from 11.4 +/- 4.2 to 12.9 +/- 4.0 (P < 0.05). Pre-ATLS Organized Approach scores were 2.9 +/- 1.0 and 2.7 +/- 1.1 (NS) for the ATLS and non-ATLS groups, respectively, with post-ATLS scores being significantly higher in the ATLS group (4.9 +/- 1.2 compared with 2.8 +/- 1.2 for the non-ATLS group, P < 0. 05). Initial Priority scores were also similar for both groups (3.2 +/- 1.4 for the ATLS group and 3.3 +/- 2.0 for the non-ATLS group). Post-ATLS Priority scores were significantly higher (6.4 +/- 1.4) in the ATLS group compared with 4.2 +/- 1.9 for the non-ATLS group (P < 0.05). The pre-ATLS global ratings were similar for both groups and post-ATLS there were 10 Honors ratings in the ATLS group and none for the control group. Using a trauma mannequin, for assessment, surgical residents completing the ATLS course demonstrated superior resuscitation skills compared with a non-ATLS group.