Factors contributing to physicians' success in the advanced trauma life support program in Israel

Background: Since its introduction in Israel, more than 4,000 physicians from various specialties and diverse medical backgrounds have participated in the Advanced Trauma Life Support course. Objectives: To analyze the factors that influence the success of physicians in the ATLS(R)(1) written tests. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 4,475 physicians participating in the Israeli ATLS(R) training program between 1990 and 1996. Several variables in the re cords of these physicians were related to their success or failure in the final written examination of the course. Results: Age, the region of medical schooling, and the medical specialty were found to significantly influence the successful completion of the ATLS(R) course. Conclusions: Physicians younger than 45 years of age or with a surgical specialty are more likely to graduate the ATLS(R) course. The success rate could be improved if the program's text and questionnaires were translated into Hebrew.