TITLE:
Launching the Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM), Course in Trinidad and Tobago
AUTHORS:
Jameel Ali, Grahame Laurence, Danielle Bince, Curtis Legall, Karla Georges, Marc Alkhal, Anjan Nanan, Sunildath Jugool, Rasheed Adam, Melrose Yearwood, Grace Herrera Fernandez, Dave Harnanan, Dilip Dan, Jennifer Reece, Anil Persad
KEYWORDS:
Trauma Teaching, ATOM Course, ATOM in Developing Country
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.11 No.12,
December
10,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background:The Advanced Trauma Operative
Management (ATOM) course which is aimed at improving penetrating
trauma management skills is very challenging to conduct. We assessed the
feasibility and potential impact of ATOM training in Trinidad and Tobago
through the University of Toronto Global surgery initiative and its potential
for improving penetrating trauma care in this developing country. Methods:
Senior General Surgical trainees were randomly assigned to participate. Other
participants consisted of: an experienced international ATOM course Director,
one experienced ATOM instructor, an ATOM instructor candidate, an experienced
ATOM veterinary medicine technologist, 2 veterinary medicine trainees, 8 senior
general surgical trainees who completed the course using the 2 student to one
faculty training model. Pre and post course self efficacy scores (a measure of
confidence in surgical approach) and scores on multiple choice question exams (MCQ)
were compared by paired t tests. The trainees completed 5-point Likert scales
to assess different components of the course. Results: The course was successfully completed locally. Mean and SD
self efficacy scores improved from 55.4 ± 18.5 to 80.5 ± 9.1 and MCQ
improved from 63.0 ± 8.8 to 82.5 ± 9.6 (p Conclusions: Based on
trainee course performance and their evaluations, there
was significant improvement in trauma skills, knowledge and attitude with
enthusiastic support for continuing the program, to improve penetrating trauma
care locally and extending this training to other parts of the Caribbean.