A METHOD TO MEASURE THE VALUE OF FORMAL TRAINING IN TRAUMA MANAGEMENT- COMPARISON BETWEEN ATLS AND INDUCTION COURSES

The change in knowledge resulting from formal training in trauma manag ement on two different courses was examined. Seventy-four doctors and a control group were included in this prospective study over a 2-year period. They represented participants on two Advanced Trauma Life Supp ort (ATLS) courses and four induction courses for junior doctors in Ac cident and Emergency (A&E) departments, The results indicate substanti al benefits from both types of training. The ATLS course participants achieved better scores. Steps in constructing a simple test for the ev aluation of courses are described. Standardization of approach is reco mmended. Assessment and audit of training in trauma management is feas ible with limited resources. It may eventually be possible to measure individual clinician's proficiency against a standard scale.