Refining mass casualty plans with simulation-based iterative learning.

BACKGROUND: Preparatory, written plans for mass casualty incidents are designed to help hospitals deliver an effective response. However, addressing the frequently observed mismatch between planning and delivery of effective responses to mass casualty incidents is a key challenge. We aimed to use simulation-based iterative learning to bridge this gap. METHODS: We used Normalisation Process Theory as the framework for iterative learning from mass casualty incident simulations. Five small-scale 'focused response' simulations generated learning points that were fed into two large-scale whole-hospital response simulations. Debrief notes were used to improve the written plans iteratively. Anonymised individual online staff surveys tracked learning. The primary outcome was system safety and latent errors identified from group debriefs. The secondary outcomes were the proportion of completed surveys, confirmation of reporting location, and respective roles for mass casualty incidents. RESULTS: Seven simulation exercises involving more than 700 staff and multidisciplinary responses were completed with debriefs. Usual emergency care was not affected by simulations. Each simulation identified latent errors and system safety issues, including overly complex processes, utilisation of space, and the need for clarifying roles. After the second whole hospital simulation, participants were more likely to return completed surveys (odds ratio=2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-4.3). Repeated exercises resulted in respondents being more likely to know where to report (odds ratio=4.3; 95% CI, 2.5-7.3) and their respective roles (odds ratio=3.7; 95% CI, 2.2-6.1) after a simulated mass casualty incident was declared. CONCLUSION: Simulation exercises are a useful tool to improve mass casualty incident plans iteratively and continuously through hospital-wide engagement of staff.

Optimising remote site airway management kit dump using the SCRAM bag-a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Emergency airway management may be required at any hospital location. Remote site management is associated with increased airway morbidity and mortality. Poor planning and interrupted workflow are significant contributors. Equipment may be unfamiliar, difficult to locate or inadequate.The SCRAM (Structured CRitical Airway Management) bag aims to provide a portable, structured and reproducible approach to airway management preparation. We hypothesised that SCRAM bag use reduces equipment preparation time, the rate of error and operator cognitive load. METHODS: Fifty experienced anaesthetists were randomised into two groups and asked to prepare (kit dump) for and manage a simulated remote site difficult airway scenario. The control group (n = 25) used a standard resuscitation trolley while the experimental group used the SCRAM bag (n = 25). The primary outcome was time taken to kit dump completion (seconds). Secondary outcomes were the number of errors and self-reported difficulty (100 mm visual analogue scale). RESULTS: Using the SCRAM bag, a 29% reduction in kit dump time (111.7 ± 29.5 vs 156.7 ± 45.1, p = 0.0001) was noted. Participants using the SCRAM bag reported it to be less challenging to use (18.36 ± 16.4 mm vs 50.64 ± 22.9 mm, p < 0.001), and significantly fewer errors were noted (1 (IQR 1-3) vs 8 (IQR 5-9), p = 0.03) (87.5% reduction in the total number of errors). CONCLUSION: The SCRAM bag facilitates a quicker, less challenging kit dump with significantly fewer errors. We propose that this would reduce delay to airway management, reduce cognitive load and provide an improved capability to manage anticipated and unanticipated airway events.

Delivering trauma mastery with an international trauma masters.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma is a global problem. The goal of optimising multidisciplinary trauma care through speciality education is a challenge. No single pathway exists to educate care providers in trauma knowledge, management and skills. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) devised an online electronic learning (e-learning) Master's degree (MSc) in Trauma Sciences in 2011. E-learning is increasingly popular however low progression rates question effectiveness. The further post-graduate impact is unknown. Our goal was to establish whether this program is a successful method of delivering multidisciplinary trauma education to an international community. We hypothesized that graduating students make a global impact in trauma care, education and research. METHODS: The Trauma Sciences MSc programs launched in 2011. Electronic surveys were distributed worldwide to students who successfully completed the program between 2013-2016. Graduation rates, degree/qualification awarded, clinical involvement in trauma management, presentation of MSc work, academic progression and roles in trauma education were explored. Supporting demographics were extracted from the QMUL student database. RESULTS: A total of 176 students, of 29 nationalities, enrolled in the two year course between 2011 and 2014. Clinical backgrounds included multi-speciality physicians (83.5%), nurses (9.6%) and paramedics (6.8%). 119 (67.6%) graduated within the study period, 108 (60.8%) with the full masters award. Completion was independent of clinical background (p = 0.20) and age (p = 0.99). Highest completion rates were seen in students from Australia and New Zealand, Asia and Europe (p = 0.03). All survey responders were currently providing regular clinical care to trauma patients. 73% (n = 36) were delivering trauma education, many at national or international level. 49% (n = 24) had presented work from the MSc and 23% (n = 11) published their dissertation.12% (n = 6) subsequently enrolled in a PhD program. CONCLUSION: Compared with other e-learning courses this Masters program has an enviable completion rate. Graduates go on to make an international multidisciplinary impact with diverse roles in clinical management, research and trauma education. This programme provides a robust trauma education curriculum. The QMUL Trauma Sciences MSc program is an excellent resource for clinicians participating in any form of trauma care or who wish to augment sub-speciality training in trauma.