Improving Intraoperative Communication in Trauma: The Educational Effect of the Joint DSTC™–DATC™ Courses

Abstract

Background Operative management of severe trauma requires excellent communication among team members. The surgeon and anesthesiologist need to interact efficiently, exchanging vital information. The Definitive Surgical Trauma Care (DSTC) and Definitive Anesthesia Trauma Care (DATC) courses provide an excellent opportunity for teamwork training. Our goal was to study the impact of the joint DSTC–DATC courses in candidates’ self‐reported assessment in communication skills and techniques in a simulated intraoperative trauma scenario. Methods Study population consists of 93 candidates (67 surgeons and 26 anesthesiologists) participating in four consecutive joint DSTC–DATC courses in May and June 2019 in Brazil (3) and in Portugal (1). Median age was 30 years; 53 (60%) of subjects were male (46 senior residents and 47 specialists). All participants attended joint lectures, case discussions and surgical skills session, emphasizing intraoperative communication. Post‐course survey on several aspects of perioperative communication (responses on a Likert scale) was conducted with participants being asked which aspects of intraoperative communication they valued the most. Results All participants responded to the survey. Results displayed an increase in the self‐assessed importance of team briefing and intraoperative communication, particularly routine periodic communication, rather than only at critical moments. Postoperative team debriefing was also valued as highly relevant. Closed‐loop and direct, by‐name communication were highly rated. Self‐reported communication skills improved significantly during the course. Conclusions Joint training in the DSTC–DATC courses improved candidates’ perception and skills on proficient intraoperative communication. Further studies should address both the durability of these changes and the potential impact on patient care.

Closed-Loop Communication in Interprofessional Emergency Teams: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study on the Use of Closed-Loop Communication Among Anesthesia Personnel

“…One reason could be that training on CLC and team collaborations is not consistent or frequent enough. Survey studies show that the knowledge about CLC increases after workshops and education about CLC 22,23 . Other studies on simulation training show that frequency of CLC increases after training 14,17 .…”

“…Survey studies show that the knowledge about CLC increases after workshops and education about CLC. 22,23 Other studies on simulation training show that frequency of CLC increases after training. 14,17 According to the National Competence Service of Traumatology 37 in Norway, all participants in trauma teams are required to undergo 33) 87 (100) c-a 0.00 a yearly team training session.…”

“…Several studies found that adverse events decreased when team members used CLC, 14,16,17 whereas others reported that tasks were completed significantly faster with CLC, compared with nonstructured communication 12,16 . Most studies examining CLC were based on simulated emergencies 15,17–26 ; however, few have investigated the use of CLC in clinical practice 12,14,27 . The aim of this study was therefore to explore the use of CLC among anesthesia personnel in real-life interprofessional emergency teams.…”

Advances in the Management of Coagulopathy in Trauma: The Role of Viscoelastic Hemostatic Assays across All Phases of Trauma Care

“…This open communication between the two teams is critical in knowing when to accelerate or slow down resuscitation strategies and in maximizing the likelihood of a successful resuscitation. 87,88 The optimal timing for repeat VHA is unknown. ►Fig.…”

Observational Study About the Impact of Simulation Training of Non-Technical Skills on Teamwork: Towards a Paradigm Shift in Undergraduate Medical Training

“…6 Multiple studies have shown that non-technical skills training can improve patient care, patient safety, operating room efficiency, and patient outcomes. [7][8][9] Team training in postgraduate education is being developed in most countries, using simulation as an adjunctive learning method due to all its advantages. Undergraduate medical education curricula have emphasized the acquisition of individual knowledge and skills, often in a competitive spirit.…”