Trauma mannequin assessment of management skills of surgical residents after Advanced Trauma Life Support training

Background. We tested the effectiveness of Advanced Trauma Life Support (AT LS) training among surgical residents using a specially designed mannequin, Materials and methods. Thirty-two Postgraduate Year I surgical residents we re randomly assigned to two groups of 16 each, Ey use of a trauma mannequin , the 32 residents' performances were scored using four trauma scenarios be fore 16 residents (ATLS group) completed a standard ATLS course. Performanc es were also scored after the ATLS course on another four trauma scenarios. The scores were standardized to a maximum of 20 for each scenario. Organiz ed Approach scores with a range of 1 to 5, Priority scores ranging from 1 t o 7, and global ratings of Honors, Pass, Borderline, or Fail were assigned for each clinical scenario, Results. The pre-ATLS assessment scores were similar for both groups rangin g 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 rang ed from 16.0 +/- 1.3 to 17.4 +/- 3.1 after the course and the non-ATLS grou p scores ranged from 11.4 +/- 4.2 to 12.9 +/- 4.0 (P < 0,05). Pre-ATLS Orga nized Approach scores were 2.9 +/- 1.0 and 2.7 +/- 1.1 (NS) for the ATLS an d 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 gro up). Post-ATLS Priority scores were significantly higher (6.4 +/- 1.4) in t he 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 ther e were 10 Honors ratings in the ATLS group and none for the control group. Conclusions. Using a trauma mannequin, for assessment, surgical residents c ompleting the ATLS course demonstrated superior resuscitation skills compar ed with a non-ATLS group. (C) 2000 Academic Press.