A. Merchant1, C. Lyon1, K. Mcqueen1, M. Sidat2, O. Gunter1 1Vanderbilt University,Trauma And Surgical Critical Care,Nashville, TN, USA 2University Of Eduardo Mondlane,Maputo, MOAZAMBIQUE, Mozambique
Introduction:
Trauma remains the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Over half of trauma deaths in low-income countries are the result of airway compromise, respiratory failure, or uncontrolled hemorrhage; all three conditions can be addressed using simple first-aid measures. As medical students in developing countries graduate and go directly into practice, they require basic trauma skills that are not incorporated into the curriculum. Basic trauma resuscitation training in modified ABCD (airway, breathing, circulation, disability) techniques can be easily learned and applied to increase trauma capacity in developing countries.
Methods:
In Mozambique, 102 medical students were trained in basic trauma resuscitation skills that utilized resources available to them in both urban or rural areas. This ABCD training at the University of Eduardo Mondlane in April 2015 included both lectures and skill development over 2.5 hours. The sessions included a pre-test, intervention, and post-test to evaluate and demonstrate first response skills.
Results:
Prior to the trauma education intervention, a mean test score of 32% (SD=19, N=102) was observed. We observed an 18% increase in test scores following the intervention, with medical students scoring a mean 50% correct (SD=19, N=102). A paired t-test showed significant difference between the pre- and post-intervention test scores (p<0.01). Despite only 18% increase in test scores, all 102 participants were able to demonstrate the basic trauma resuscitation skills taught in the training session.
Conclusion:
Basic trauma resuscitation techniques were taught to medical students who provide direct care for trauma patients immediately after graduation. This course provided new information to participants; these results led to the development of a new standardized trauma curriculum for medical students in Mozambique. It can be used as a framework to build trauma capacity in countries with limited resources.