Katz Dana Hadas
Pediatric emergency department, Meir medical center , ISRAEL
Title: A short-term, simulation based FAST (focused abdominal sonography in trauma) training for pediatric residents
Biography
Biography: Katz Dana Hadas
Abstract
BACKGROUND: FAST (focused abdominal sonography in trauma) examination has been integrated into the primary assessment of the Pediatric trauma patients in the ED.
Nowadays, most Pediatric patients are evaluated and treated primarily at the PED by PEM physicians or Pediatric residents. Thus, the ability to perform FAST is a required skill, although it is not included in the Pediatric residency curriculum.
The aim of this study is to assess the ability of Pediatric residents to acquire the skill of performing FAST following a short, simulation based training program.
METHODS: A total of 19 Pediatric residents were enrolled in this study, all without any previous experience with performing FAST. The training program consisted of a lecture, hands-on training, high fidelity simulator training, and 5 tests performed independently during the following month. Competence was evaluated a month later by a simulator based test.
Participants have also completed a questionnaire regarding their level of confidence in performing FAST examinations.
RESULTS - 56 of 57 tests performed were interpreted correctly (98.2%). The level of participants' confidence in FAST performance was increased following the training program, with a statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS: A short simulation based training program is sufficient for obtaining the required proficiency in performing and interpreting the FAST examination among Pediatric residents.