Multidisciplinary, multisite trauma team training during COVID-19: lessons from the first virtual E-S.T.A.R.T.T....

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Trauma care relies on effective team dynamics and deliberate practice.
• The COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for in-person team training.
• Maintaining high-quality trauma team performance is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt the Simulated Trauma and Resuscitation Team Training (S.T.A.R.T.T.) course for virtual delivery.
• To assess the effectiveness of virtual simulation training in enhancing crisis resource management (CRM) skills.
• To ensure continued multidisciplinary trauma team training during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Modified the S.T.A.R.T.T. course content for a virtual format.
• Connected two centers in different provinces simultaneously for training.
• Utilized high-fidelity simulation in a virtual setting.

Main Results:

• The virtual E-S.T.A.R.T.T. course maintained multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Participant satisfaction with the virtual course was high.
• Providers continued to develop essential CRM skills.

Conclusions:

• Virtual simulation is a viable solution for trauma team training during pandemics.
• The E-S.T.A.R.T.T. course successfully transitioned to a virtual, interprovincial format.
• High-fidelity virtual simulation effectively supports CRM skill development in trauma care.