Team-oriented training for damage control surgery in rural trauma: a new paradigm

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Trauma Surgery
• Crew Resource Management

Background:

• Norway's geography necessitates specialized trauma care training for rural hospitals.
• An initiative trained rural hospital teams in damage control surgery using a team-oriented approach.
• Crew Resource Management principles were integrated into the training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a team-oriented approach for damage control surgery training.
• To assess the impact of this training on trauma care in rural Norwegian hospitals.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-eight teams from 21 hospitals attended 10 courses (2003-2006).
• Training involved interactive lectures and operative sessions on live porcine models.
• Data collected via post-course questionnaires and hospital phone surveys.

Main Results:

• 99% of participants reported increased proficiency in damage control techniques.
• Significant improvements noted in extraperitoneal pelvic packing and emergency thoracotomy skills.
• 12 lifesaving rural damage control operations performed by participants; 17 of 18 hospitals modified trauma protocols.

Conclusions:

• Team-oriented damage control surgery training is an effective educational method for rural settings.
• This approach enhances surgical skills and improves patient outcomes in remote areas.