Comparison of performance 2 years after the old and new (interactive) ATLS courses

Background. We previously (1997) demonstrated superior clinical but similar cognitive performance after the new interactive compared to the old ATLS course. The present study is aimed at determining whether this difference was short term or maintained over time (2 years). Materials and methods. Two groups of 13 physicians out of the original 32 physicians were available for the study which compared performance in a 40-item MCQ examination on trauma topics and clinical performance in 4 trauma OSCE stations consisting of simulated trauma patients. Paired and unpaired t tests were used for within- and between-group comparisons, respectively, with P < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. Overall OSCE scores (maximum standard 20), adherence to priority scores (Priority, scale 1 to 7), and overall approach (Approach, scale 1 to 5) scores were analyzed. Results. Values are means +/- SD; C-P < 0.05 compared to 1999; *P < 0.05 compared to old group. [GRAPHICS] Conclusions. Although knowledge base decreases similarly with time after both courses, the new interactive course participants maintained a consistently higher clinical skill performance level at 2 years. (C) 2001 Academic Press.