National survey of Canadian general surgery program directors regarding focused assessment with sonography for trauma

Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is an important modality in the initial assessment of trauma patients. Information regarding the current status, availability, as well as educational and training processes in the use of FAST is limited. The purpose of this study was to survey Canadian general surgery residency program directors regarding FAST.

A Web-based survey was developed to assess the availability and use of FAST, education and training, as well as the role of FAST in general surgery residency training programs across Canada. Two experts reviewed the survey for validity and reliability. The survey was then pilot tested by 2 general surgeons.

The survey response rate was 75.0% (12/16). FAST was available at all the institutions that responded. FAST was used 100% of the time in the initial assessment of the trauma patient. In all, 75.0% (9/12) respondents have no formal residency training in FAST, 91.7% (11/12) of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that training in FAST should be included in the residency curriculum, and 66.7% (8/12) of respondents perceive that general surgery residents are not competent in the use of FAST.

Overall, Canadian general surgery program directors do not feel that surgical residents are competent in the use of FAST. Current training is limited, and program directors believe that training and education in FAST should be included in the postgraduate education curriculum.