A novel evaluation tool for combat trauma simulation: Delphi expert panel consensus report

Area of Science:

• Trauma Care
• Military Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Modern conflicts present complex injuries challenging healthcare systems.
• A standardized tool is needed to assess trauma care performance in Switzerland.
• The study aimed to create a framework for evaluating complex combat trauma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a consensus-based performance assessment tool for complex combat trauma.
• Integrate civilian and military standards of care into a unified framework.
• Facilitate a simulation-based study on trauma care performance.

Main Methods:

• A structured consensus process was employed, including nominal group technique and a multi-round Delphi process.
• Fourteen experts from military medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and trauma surgery participated.
• Assessment items were refined iteratively to achieve predefined consensus criteria.

Main Results:

• Consensus on a 35-item evaluation tool was reached after five Delphi rounds.
• The tool covers prioritization, procedural quality, trauma principles, and time to critical actions.
• Initial differences in perspectives between civilian and military experts were resolved.

Conclusions:

• The Delphi-based framework identifies consensus and controversy in combat trauma care.
• Divergent injury patterns, resources, and operational constraints influence civilian vs. military perspectives.
• The standardized tool provides a robust framework for comparing trauma care performance.