VIDEO ASSESSMENT OF TRAUMA RESPONSE - ADHERENCE TO ATLS PROTOCOLS

A novel strategy using videotape recordings of initial trauma resuscit ations was incorporated into the quality assurance program at a level 1 trauma center. Described are the process of taping the resuscitation s, the multidisciplinary nature of the resuscitation team, the securit y measures taken to assure patient confidentiality, and the review pro cess involved. The videotape review process was incorporated into a mu ltidisciplinary educational trauma conference. The videotapes were use d to evaluate the adherence to Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) res uscitation protocols. Resident performance in six aspects of the ATLS resuscitation process were specifically highlighted on each videotape and graded for adherence to preestablished standards. The videotape pr ocess allowed an unbiased, indisputable accurate documentation of the sequential application of the protocols of evaluation and resuscitatio n espoused in the ATLS course, We found 23% overall deviation from ATL S resuscitation principles, with at least one aspect of the resuscitat ion deviating from expected ATLS performance in 64% of the patients, I n addition to documenting adherence to ATLS principles, this study ill ustrated the impact of the videotape review process on the education o f eight senior residents in surgery. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunde rs Company.