Trauma Training and Workload: A National Survey.

Area of Science:

• Trauma care and surgical training.
• Emergency medicine and surgical services delivery.

Background:

• Trauma significantly contributes to mortality and morbidity in Ireland.
• Current trauma training relies heavily on trainee experience within specific surgical posts.
• Restructuring of trauma services is a current topic of discussion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current experiences and opinions of surgical trainees regarding trauma care.
• To gather insights from trainees who will form the future consultant workforce in trauma services.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was conducted among emergency medicine, orthopaedic, and general surgery trainees.
• The survey was vetted and distributed by relevant national training bodies.

Main Results:

• 98.33% of respondents supported bypassing smaller hospitals for major trauma cases.
• 91.67% believed major trauma centers should have a dedicated trauma theatre available 24/7.
• 91.67% of trainees anticipate managing major trauma as future consultants.

Conclusions:

• Trainees overwhelmingly support centralizing major trauma care in specialized centers with 24/7 surgical capabilities.
• Future consultants are prepared to lead and develop a restructured trauma service based on these principles.
• The findings highlight a clear consensus among trainees on essential components for an effective major trauma system.