SAM Acute Medicine Trainees Skills Survey 2009.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Acute Medicine Training
• Clinical Skills Development

Background:

• Specialist trainees in Acute Medicine have voiced concerns regarding the adequacy of curriculum-based skills training compared to practical experience.
• Existing training models may not fully address the complexities and demands of acute care environments.
• The need for robust practical skills acquisition is paramount for effective patient care in emergency settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate trainee concerns about skills training in Acute Medicine.
• To identify specific areas of perceived deficiency in practical skills acquisition.
• To evaluate trainee confidence in performing and teaching essential acute medical skills.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was conducted in 2009 among specialist trainees in Acute Medicine.
• Data from 132 trainee responses were analyzed to assess perceptions of skills training.
• The survey focused on confidence levels in performing and teaching practical skills.

Main Results:

• The majority of trainees felt competent to teach practical skills they regularly perform.
• Significant concerns were identified regarding proficiency in temporary cardiac pacing, endotracheal intubation, and Sengstaken Blakemore tube insertion.
• Confidence in performing these critical skills did not consistently align with perceived training adequacy.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training is recommended for skills not readily available in practice, such as temporary cardiac pacing and endotracheal intubation.
• Current training approaches may be insufficient to ensure widespread, true competence in all essential acute medical procedures.
• Further curriculum refinement and innovative training methodologies are necessary to bridge the gap between perceived and actual skills proficiency.