Pediatric major trauma. Anaesthesia education: Airway, breathing, coffee and cases 2020-2021

ABSTRACT

Background: Trauma calls with substantial injuries are low volume;exposure per fellow is low. A pilot questionnaire demonstrated that fellows were unaware of colleagues' trauma workload. There was no standardized process for departmental case review. With COVID-19 precautions limiting face-to-face time with colleagues, we were concerned that learning may be affected. We aimed to improve education by identifying cases with high potential for shared learning or system improvement and instigating a triannual Coffee and Cases meeting. Method(s) We devised a feedback form for trainees to fill in following each trauma team activation. These data were combined with trauma registry data to provide an overall perspective on the anesthesia workload for trauma and presented via Teams to the entire department. Infographics were used to illustrate cases and highlight important learning points. These were combined with up-to-date literature regarding pediatric trauma management. Trainees were reaudited following the talk. Result(s) During the pilot questionnaire, just 14.3% of fellows agreed with the statement I am aware of the number of trauma calls, mechanisms of trauma and injuries sustained, presenting to Sick Kids in the previous month. In total, 71.4% disagreed and 14.3% strongly disagreed. Reaudit in November 2020 following the Coffee and Cases meeting online via Teams showed 100% agreement, with 71.4% strongly agreeing. Because of clinical commitments, it is often not possible for all relevant and interested staff members to attend such meetings, so a supplementary update PDF was provided via hospital email. Issues were identified regarding communication (team briefing), billing and prompt drug availability. These issues were addressed and reaudited. Conclusion(s) The questionnaire allowed us to collect real-time feedback on our trauma service and collate learning points from cases. This was integrated with up-to-date literature. Trauma patients may present critically unwell, yet the environment may be unfamiliar to rotating staff. Education is vital. Infographics helped us to illustrate cases, highlighting important learning points. These are 30 times more likely to be read than text so can successfully improve readership and learning of information..