Trauma Team High-Fidelity Simulation Training in a Rural Level III Trauma Center: An Interprofessional Experience

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Emergency department trauma resuscitation requires teamwork and high-stakes clinical decision-making. Rural trauma centers with low trauma activation volumes must ensure that resuscitations are efficient and safe. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of high-fidelity, interprofessional simulation training to foster trauma teamwork and role identification for trauma team members responding to trauma activations in the emergency department. METHODS: High-fidelity, interprofessional simulation training was developed for members of a rural Level III trauma center. Subject matter experts created trauma scenarios. An embedded participant led the simulations using a guidebook that outlined the scenario and learner objectives. The simulations were implemented from May 2021 through September 2021. RESULTS: Postsimulation survey results identified that participants found training with other professions valuable and that knowledge was gained. CONCLUSION: Interprofessional simulations enhance team communication and skills. Combining interprofessional education with high-fidelity simulation creates a learning environment that optimizes trauma team function.