How do deployed general surgeons acquire relevant skill sets and competencies and mitigate skill fade?

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Surgical Education
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Deployed military general surgeons face international difficulties in acquiring and retaining essential surgical skills.
• Reduced trauma workload in non-deployed roles and the winding-down of combat operations exacerbate these skill-set challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current international methods for ensuring the acquisition and retention of vital skill sets among deployed military surgeons.
• To explore military-run courses, collaborations, and future strategies for maintaining surgical competencies.

Main Methods:

• Review of training approaches used by American, British, Danish, French, German, and Swedish Armed Forces.
• Analysis of training variations including didactic lectures, simulation, and civilian trauma placements (domestic and international).

Main Results:

• Significant international variation exists in military surgical training methodologies.
• Data on the effectiveness of current training techniques for combat surgical skills is limited.
• A combination of high-volume civilian trauma center experience and military-specific training (courses, simulation) is likely crucial.

Conclusions:

• Acquisition and maintenance of combat surgical skills require a multifaceted approach.
• Further evaluation of newer training modalities is necessary to ensure future effectiveness.
• Bridging skill gaps through a blend of civilian and military training is essential for deployed surgeons.