Simulation-based multidisciplinary team training decreases time to critical operations for trauma patients

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Trauma Surgery
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Simulation is widely used for trauma team training.
• Evidence linking simulation training to improved patient outcomes is limited.
• This study assessed the impact of a simulation program on trauma care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between simulation-based multidisciplinary trauma team training and patient outcomes.
• To compare key performance indicators before and after program implementation.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of trauma registry data from a Level 1 Adult Trauma Centre.
• Comparison of two four-year periods: pre- and post-simulation training implementation.
• Analysis of time to critical operations, Emergency Department (ED) length of stay (LOS), and patient mortality.

Main Results:

• The post-training group (POST) had a significant reduction in time to critical operation (2.63h to 0.55h).
• Overall ED LOS increased, but was reduced in patients requiring critical operations.
• No significant reduction in patient mortality was observed.

Conclusions:

• Trauma team training improved time to critical operations but increased overall ED LOS.
• Demonstrating direct links between multidisciplinary team training and improved patient outcomes remains complex.
• Gaps in knowledge persist regarding the impact of team training on health service delivery.