Individual and team training with first time users of the Pelvic C-Clamp: do they remember or will we need refresher...

Pelvic ring injuries with associated hemorrhage from the presacral venous plexus are major contributors to morbidity and mortality in trauma patients. The Pelvic C-Clamp is an often discussed, yet seldom used device for both skeletal and hemodynamic stabilization. In a recent study we have addressed this issue and have stressed the importance of regular training sessions with the device. This study is aimed as an extended follow up with a special focus on how trained skills are retained over time.

32 participants with various levels of training were taught to use the clamp. Thirty-six hours later, a hands-on session was performed where the time needed for placement and accuracy of placement were evaluated on a model in individual and team settings. 12 months later a re-evaluation was performed.

Evaluation showed that during the first session, 57/64 pins (89.15 %) were placed inside the safe area. The team training results showed reduced times for assembly and more exact pin placement. In the re-evaluation 1 year later, 75 % of all pins were safely placed and the time needed for assembly was significantly longer.

The majority of 57 pins were placed in the safe area within 6 min after one single training session. This reproduces the Australian data and supports the theory that adequately educated and skilled physicians should be able to handle the device properly. The data from the re-evaluation suggest that repeating the training session with the device improves performance.