Trauma education

Objective: Trauma is a diverse disease in which time critical decisions and skills affect patient outcome. This review article examines the methods an d assessment of education for the management of the trauma patient. Method: Literature review. Results: Education is a planned experience that leads t o a change in behaviour. Adult education methods can be used to improve the knowledge. skills, attitudes and relationships of health care workers. Adu lt learners need careful consideration of lecture style. small group work, role play and skills stations in order to achieve these aims. These techniq ues are typically used in short intensive courses such as Advanced Trauma L ife Support (ATLS(R)) aimed at the initial care of the trauma patient. Ther e is a relative lack of education directed at definitive care. It is import ant to assess the impact of trauma education in terms of clinical process. retention of skills/knowledge and the outcome of patients. A generic approa ch (the ABC approach) is applicable to the care of all critically ill or in jured patients. This approach should be taught at junior level. Conclusion: The care of trauma patients can be improved by educating health care worke rs using adult educational strategies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights: reserved.