Background: The implementation of ATLS® in the daily routine of trauma management in the emergency department is a challenge. This goal cannot be reached by educating ATLS® to a few team members only. In order to enforce the implementation of ATLS® in a level I trauma centre, a generic in-house training was introduced in 2009 with inter-professional integration of all specialists of the trauma team.
Materials and methods: The TEAM® course (trauma evaluation and management concept of the American College of Surgeons) was the theoretical basis of the training. This educational program was developed for medical students and multidisciplinary team members. Prior training, a questionnaire for self-assessment was completed by n=84 team members to assess their knowledge about ATLS® principles. The hands-on training time was 90 min. N=10 members of the trauma team worked out three scenarios of multiple injured patients. These were provided as near-reality manikin simulations by a specialist trainer. After the training participants re-evaluated and analysed improvement by the training. Duration of trauma management and the number of missed injuries were analysed one year prior and one year after the training and served as a marker of the process and outcome quality of trauma care.
Results: Prior the training, 57% of trainees specified their knowledge related to the ATLS® can be improved. Their expectations were generally satisfied by the training. The mean time of trauma management in the ED could not be reduced one year after the training (36±16 min) compared to one year prior the training (39±18 min), however, the detection of missed injuries (5.6% vs. 3.2%, p<0.05) was significantly diminished after the training.
Conclusion: Apart form education of ATLS® providers the inauguration of an interdisciplinary and interprofessionel team training may enhance implementation of ATLS- algorithms into daily routine.