Past Present and Future of Simulation in Trauma

Excerpt

Historically, the model of trauma training was preceptors demonstrating techniques or lecturing before the development and implementation of Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) as a basis for trauma education. [American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. Advanced Trauma Life Support student course manual, 10th ed. Chicago, IL: American College of Surgeons; 2018] In the nearly 40 years of ATLS, trauma education has transformed into training providers on evidence-based, standardized assessments and treatment protocols that incorporate practical skills alongside the lecture component. Over time, ATLS has become the standard for skill introduction for the initial treatment of injured patients. Whether intentional or not, ATLS sparked a paradigm shift in trauma education by introducing practical skills, which helped to expand simulation-based training in trauma. Simulation-based training is important because it assists novice clinicians in receiving more exposure to critical thinking skills, which increases the ability to prioritize patient safety.