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Published on: November 19, 2017
Initial report on the impact of a perfused fresh cadaver training program in general surgery resident trauma
Daniel Grabo1, James Bardes1, Melinda Sharon2
1West Virginia University, Department of Surgery, 64 Medical Center Drive, Health Sciences Center South, Suite 7700, PO BOX 9238, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
Background:
Operative trauma volume for general surgery residents (GSR) continues to decline. This pilot study examines the impact of utilizing perfused cadavers in trauma surgical skills training for GSR.
Methods:
GSR (post graduate year (PGY) 1 through 4) participated in trauma surgical skills training utilizing perfused cadavers. GSR completed surveys assessing confidence in their ability to perform critical procedures before and after training.
Results:
Sixteen GSR participated in trauma skills training. All PGY 1-2, reported increases in confidence in skills. PGY 4 GSR reported significant increase in confidence in most skills sets including surgical airway, resuscitative thoracotomy/cardiac injury, and abdominal vascular injury. The majority of GSR retained confidence in these skills at 6 months.
Conclusions:
Integration of perfused cadavers into GSR curriculum provides high fidelity and dynamic model for training trauma surgical skills. Studies are needed for development and validation of this training and assessment method.
