The simulated Trauma Patient Teaching Module--does it improve student performance?

Student feedback from the old TEAM (Trauma Evaluation and Management) program prompted introduction of simulated trauma patient models in the new program. Performance after the new and old programs was compared to assess the impact of the simulated patient models.

Final year medical students randomly assigned to control and experimental groups completed a 20-item trauma multiple choice questionnaire examination (MCQE). The experimental groups attended the old or new TEAM program before completing a second MCQE and the control groups completed the same post-test without the TEAM programs. We used paired t tests for within and unpaired t tests for between group comparisons of the control and experimental groups' performances on the MCQ pre- and post-tests. On a 1 to 5 scale, students graded if objectives were met; trauma knowledge improved; trauma skills improved; overall satisfaction; and if TEAM should be mandatory.

Post-test scores increased significantly after both the old and new programs but the increase was statistically significantly greater after the new program. In the old TEAM, 51.6% rated improvement in trauma skills at 4 or greater compared with 97.3% in the new program. A large percentage of students in the old program requested more hands-on teaching. Of students, 85% scored honors pass mark after completion of the new TEAM format, and no honors pass marks were achieved after completion of the old TEAM format.

Simulated trauma patient models were rated highly and improved both trauma skills and knowledge. Wider application of these teaching models is suggested.