Trauma education.

OBJECTIVE: Trauma is a diverse disease in which time critical decisions and skills affect patient outcome. This review article examines the methods and assessment of education for the management of the trauma patient.
METHOD: Literature review.
RESULTS: Education is a planned experience that leads to a change in behaviour. Adult education methods can be used to improve the knowledge, skills, attitudes and relationships of health care workers. Adult learners need careful consideration of lecture style, small group work, role play and skills stations in order to achieve these aims. These techniques are typically used in short intensive courses such as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) aimed at the initial care of the trauma patient. There is a relative lack of education directed at definitive care. It is important to assess the impact of trauma education in terms of clinical process, retention of skills/knowledge and the outcome of patients. A generic approach (the ABC approach) is applicable to the care of all critically ill or injured patients. This approach should be taught at junior level.
CONCLUSION: The care of trauma patients can be improved by educating health care workers using adult educational strategies.