RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a low-frequency, high-acuity intervention. We hypothesized that REBOA-specific knowledge and comfort deteriorate significantly within 6 months of a formal training course if REBOA is not performed in the interim. METHODS: A comprehensive REBOA course was developed including didactics and hands-on practical simulation training. Baseline knowledge and comfort were assessed with a precourse objective test and a subjective self-assessment. REBOA knowledge and comfort were then re-assessed immediately postcourse and again at 6 months and 1 year. Performance trends were measured using paired Student's t and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Thirteen participants were evaluated including trauma faculty (nâ¯=â¯10) and fellows (nâ¯=â¯3). Test scores improved significantly from precourse (72% ± 10% correct) to postcourse (88% ± 8%, p < 0.001). At 6 months, scores remained no different from postcourse (pâ¯=â¯0.126); at 1 year, scores decreased back to baseline (pâ¯=â¯0.024 from postcourse; 0.285 from precourse). Subjective comfort with femoral arterial line placement and REBOA improved with training (pâ¯=â¯0.044 and 0.003, respectively). Femoral arterial line comfort remained unchanged from postcourse at 6 months (pâ¯=â¯0.898) and 1 year (pâ¯=â¯0.158). However, subjective comfort with REBOA decreased relative to postcourse levels at 6 months (pâ¯=â¯0.009), driven primarily by participants with no clinical REBOA cases in the interim. CONCLUSIONS: A formal REBOA curriculum improves knowledge and comfort with critical aspects of this procedure. This knowledge persists at 6 months, though subjective comfort deteriorated among those without REBOA placement in the interim. REBOA refresher training should be considered at 6-month intervals in the absence of clinical REBOA cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/STUDY TYPE: Level III, prognostic.