Needs Assessment for a Resuscitative Thoracotomy Curriculum for General Surgery Residents in the Northeast Region

Authors

Caroline Ricard, Simulation Department, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA. Electronic address: caroline.anne.ricard@gmail.com.
Deanna Plewa, Simulation Department, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
Jack Vernamonti, General Surgery Department, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine, USA.
Erin M. Scott, General Surgery Department, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
Dmitry Nepomnayshy, Simulation Department, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA; General Surgery Department, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA.
Eric Benoit, General Surgery Department, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA; Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Department, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Burlington Massachusetts, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-26-2023

Institution/Department

Surgery

Journal Title

Journal of surgical education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) is a high-acuity low occurrence (HALO) procedure with which general surgical resident (GSR) experience and confidence are unknown. We sought to identify and describe this educational gap by conducting a targeted needs assessment for an RT curriculum for GSRs. METHODS: An online regional needs assessment survey was conducted for an RT curriculum for GSRs. The survey was developed by a group of trauma stakeholders and revised after being piloted on a small, representative group of GSRs. We surveyed GSRs in the Northeast region regarding their experience and confidence with RT; interest in an RT curriculum; and content, format, and scope for an RT curriculum. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 43%, reflecting the viewpoints of GSRs at 8 major training centers across the Northeast. Only 13% of respondents were interested in pursuing a career in Trauma and Critical Care despite 97% of them training at a Level I Trauma Center. Twenty-nine percent and 33% of GSRs had ever assisted with or performed RT, respectively. Twenty-one percent of GSRs reported feeling confident performing RT. Most respondents (98%) agreed or strongly agreed that an RT curriculum would add value to their general surgery education. The most positively rated content topics were resuscitative maneuvers (100% positive responses [PR]), when to cease resuscitative efforts (100% PR), and morbidity and mortality associated with RT (98% PR). The most highly rated learning methods were individual RT simulation time (97% PR) and a tour of the trauma bay equipment (97% PR). CONCLUSIONS: This needs assessment demonstrates a lack of experience and confidence with RT, a strong learner interest in an RT curriculum, and a desire for experiential learning methods. Learning objectives are defined herein, and the next steps involve developing educational materials for an RT curriculum for GSRs.

Comments

Jack P. Vernamonti- Resident

Recommended Citation

Ricard C, Plewa D, Vernamonti J, Scott EM, Nepomnayshy D, Benoit E. Needs Assessment for a Resuscitative Thoracotomy Curriculum for General Surgery Residents in the Northeast Region [published online ahead of print, 2023 Sep 26]. J Surg Educ. 2023;S1931-7204(23)00337-9. doi:10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.08.020