Does ATLS trauma training fit into Western countries: evaluation of the first 8 years of ATLS in Germany

With over 2 million certified physicians worldwide, the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program is one of the most successful international medical education programs. Germany joined the ATLS program in 2003. Before implementation of the program, there was a controversial discussion as to whether a country like Germany with a long history of trauma care needed ATLS at all. 197 courses with nearly 3,000 providers were performed until December 2010.

We assessed the course evaluations since the implementation of ATLS in Germany using the participants' systematic feedback.

During the course, each participant evaluated each presentation, skill station, and simulation on a rating scale from 1 to 4 (1 being the best, 4 being the worst). The participants completed the evaluation forms during the course and before they received their results. The course coordinator made sure that all forms were returned. The feedback forms were collected anonymously and were entered into a database. Statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and mean values.

The cumulative evaluation of all courses revealed an average performance score of 1.39 (1.06-1.86; n = 197). The lectures, skill stations, and simulations were individually evaluated as follows: lectures 1.61 (1.00-2.81; n = 197), skill stations 1.40 (1.00-2.40; n = 197), and surgical skill stations 1.35 (1.00-2.38; n = 197). Practical skills simulation (case scenarios) received the highest grade of 1.24 (1.00-1.57; n = 197). There were no significant changes during the time concerning the results of the evaluation.

The overall assessment showed constantly good and excellent evaluations by the participants over the years. In general, skill stations and simulations performed better than lectures. According to these results, the course format is well accepted by the participants and, therefore, can be recommended to all physicians treating trauma patients. Our results also underline the value of such a course format in an industrial country with an already established trauma system.