Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN): A Single-Center Analysis of Trauma Nurses Knowledge Gaps

Abstract

Background: Trauma is a global cause of death and disability, and trauma systems are not well developed in low- and middle-income countries. Training of nurses in trauma care is of utmost importance to improve the organization and delivery of trauma care. Objective: This study aimed to identify common knowledge gaps and develop study aids to improve nurses' performance taking the Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) course. Methods: This is a descriptive, single-center study of the multiple-choice final examinations of the ATCN course conducted over 1 year in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Level I trauma center. The questions missed by candidates were compiled, and the wrong options were tabulated. The most commonly missed questions were identified, and the most commonly marked wrong option was analyzed vis-a-vis the correct answer. Each error was classified into either a theoretical error or a practice-based error. Results: Ninety-six nurses attended 6 courses from June 2019 to June 2020. Of the theoretical-based questions, the top 3 categories of most missed questions were geriatric trauma (n = 13; 81.2%), massive transfusion (n = 35; 72.9%), and traumatic brain injury (n = 35; 72.9%). Of the practice-based questions, the top 3 categories of most missed questions were dislocated extremity management (n = 54; 79.4%), basic airway (n = 31; 64.5%), and shock management (n = 30; 62.5%). Conclusions: Periodic identification and categorization of the ATCN course examination's most frequent knowledge gaps allow instructors to develop teaching aids to enhance instructor teaching and improve trauma nurses' knowledge.

Developing a core competency training curriculum system for emergency trauma nurses in China: a modified Delphi method study

“…The nursing versions of the ATLS, ATCN and TNCC promote systematic, organised assessment and intervention for trauma nursing and have been promulgated worldwide. 14 39 However, these three courses are not comprehensive for the training of emergency trauma nurses in China. To compensate for the lack of trauma-trained physicians, emergency trauma nurses often need to lead teams, communicate with other partner departments, train junior nurses and conduct research.…”

“…The final first-level indicators based on the integrated course design model represented the six dimensions of the core competencies of emergency trauma nurses, including basic knowledge, professional practice, leadership, communication and cooperation, education and care, and study and research. The nursing versions of the ATLS, ATCN and TNCC promote systematic, organised assessment and intervention for trauma nursing and have been promulgated worldwide 14 39. However, these three courses are not comprehensive for the training of emergency trauma nurses in China.…”

“…Trauma nursing as a discipline is in its infancy in China, and continued professional development courses are the only means to advance training. 14 However, there are currently no specialised training curricula for emergency trauma nurses in China. The aim of this study was to develop a core competency training curriculum system with systematic and standardised courses for emergency trauma nurses in China.…”

“…Many emergency nurses have little or no formal education or training in the management of trauma patients in China. Trauma nursing as a discipline is in its infancy in China, and continued professional development courses are the only means to advance training 14. However, there are currently no specialised training curricula for emergency trauma nurses in China.…”

Global Survey of Demand‐Side Factors and Incentives that Influence Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Promulgation

“…For example, ATLS could be a requirement for credentialing physician assistants and nurse practitioners who specialize in emergency medicine or surgery and as a requirement for clinical officer training programs such as those in Malawi, Ethiopia, Niger, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone [31][32][33][34]. Similarly, nurses could be required to complete Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN), which is organized by Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) and can run in conjunction with ATLS [35][36][37].…”