Learning gain of an ATLS®-based interprofessional and multidisciplinary in-situ simulation training of trauma resuscitation

Purpose Team performance in polytrauma management determines patient outcome and is crucially shaped by Crew Resource Management (CRM). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an interdisciplinary, interprofessional, in-situ, simulation- and ATLS®-based trauma team training with a focus on CRM principles. We conducted a retrospective analysis based on self-assessed questionnaires. As trauma teams were composed of multiple subspecialties with heterogeneous levels of expertise, we hypothesized that different subgroups might benefit to varying degrees from the training. Methods Between 03/2022 and 11/2023, 36 training sessions including 238 participants took place at a German Level I trauma center. Participants completed post-intervention questionnaires and subgroup analysis including exploratory factor analysis was performed. Results Participants came from anesthesiology, surgery and radiology in equal proportions and differed in working experience, professional role, and exposure to polytrauma management. Exploratory factor analysis identified the three CRM dimensions: i) personal operational competence, ii) team communication, and iii) decision making. Learning gains were evident across all subgroups, however, providers demonstrated particularly high improvements in personal operational competence compared to experts (p < 0.01). Conclusion In-situ trauma team training enhanced CRM-related competencies in all professions and subspecialties, regardless of prior experience or trauma exposure. Thus, such trainings are well suited to improve team performance in polytrauma care at a high-volume trauma center.