Lessons Learned: Large-Scale Perfused Cadaver Training in Three Different Curricular Environments

ABSTRACT Background Perfused cadavers are viable training models for operating room surgical skills, increasing fidelity of vascular anatomy, dissection, and tissue handling. In addition, perfused cadavers may have benefits in military medical training environments with a focus on hemorrhage control...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Military medicine Vol. 189; no. 9-10; pp. e1871 - e1878
Main Authors:	Koo, Alex Y, Rodgers, David K, Hohman, Marc H, Muise, Jason R, Couperus, Kyle S, Phelps, Jillian F
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	US Oxford University Press 30-08-2024
Subjects:	Cadaver Cadavers Clinical Competence - standards Clinical Competence - statistics & numerical data Curriculum - standards Hemorrhage Humans Medical education Medical schools Military personnel Ostomy Simulation Training - methods Simulation Training - standards Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:	ABSTRACT Background Perfused cadavers are viable training models for operating room surgical skills, increasing fidelity of vascular anatomy, dissection, and tissue handling. In addition, perfused cadavers may have benefits in military medical training environments with a focus on hemorrhage control and vascular access. Objectives We created a large-scale training exercise with perfused cadavers in three different environments and aim to share the curricular design and feedback from the exercise. Methods We conducted a 4-day simulation training exercise with 13 perfused cadavers in 3 different environments: hospital environment, the austere echelons of care environment, and a controlled-settings tent for hemorrhage control and needle decompression training. Through an anonymous online survey and an after-action review (AAR), we elicited feedback on advantages, disadvantages, costs, and comparison to models of porcine and fresh cadavers for procedures and existing courses. Results A total of 324 participants were trained with 13 perfused cadavers for over 4 days from a variety of specialties and on different procedures and surgical skills. Based on 130 respondents to the survey and the AAR, perfused cadavers were rated to have realistic arterial bleeding and bleeding control training. In addition, perfused cadavers provided increased realism and fidelity for surgical skills. There were disadvantages of logistical requirements, cleanup, costs, and mobility. Conclusion Perfused cadavers can be implemented effectively for hemorrhage control training, surgical and procedure skills, and even exercises in austere environments, but require significant logistical and planning considerations. The training value is maximized with a progressive curriculum from hemorrhage control iterations to more invasive surgical procedures, such as thoracotomy and exploratory laparotomy.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	0026-4075 1930-613X 1930-613X
DOI:	10.1093/milmed/usae110