Predictors of failure in the Advanced Trauma Life Support course

Matthew Mobily, Bernardino C. Branco, Bellal Joseph, Nancy Hernandez, Richard D. Catalano, Daniel G. Judkins, Donald J. Green, Narong Kulvatunyou, Peter Rhee, Andrew L. Tang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Over 1 million healthcare providers have participated in the Advanced Trauma Life Support course. No studies have evaluated factors that predict course performance. This study aims to identify these predictors. Methods All participants taking the course at 2 centers over a 4-year period were identified. Demographics, background, and performance data were extracted. Participants who failed were compared with those who did not. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for failure. Results Seven hundred forty-four healthcare providers participated in the course; 89.5% passed and 10.5% failed. Failure rates were lowest (.0%) among Trauma/Surgical Critical Care (SCC) providers and highest among pediatric providers (28.6%). Stepwise logistic regression identified age greater than 55, English as a second language, pretest score less than 75, and non-Trauma/SCC and non-Emergency Medicine background as predictors of failure. Conclusions A failure rate of 10.5% was demonstrated among the course participants. Age greater than 55, English as second language, pretest score less than 75, and non-Trauma/SCC and non-Emergency Medicine backgrounds were associated with failure. These subgroups may benefit from performance improvement measures.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number11518
Pages (from-to)942-946
Number of pages5
JournalAmerican journal of surgery
Volume210
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2015

Keywords

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support participant course
  • Emergency medicine
  • Failure
  • Predictors
  • Trauma and Surgical Critical Care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Predictors of failure in the Advanced Trauma Life Support course'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this