TR7 Practical skills workshop

Background At a busy trauma centre in South London, Acute Care Core Stem (ACCS) trainees (ST1–2) had been finding it difficult to have certain practical skills directly observed and assessed due to various reasons. Once this issue was identified, an ST2 Emergency Medicine trainee organised and led a Practical Skills Workshop where ACCS ST2 trainees could have the opportunity to be observed and assessed by senior colleagues (registrars and consultants) in a controlled simulated enviroment. Summary of events The session was free and lasted less than 4 hours. The trainees presented to each other on the relevant practical skills in an initial teaching session before they were assessed by senior colleagues (one to one) in four simulation stations: DC Cardioversion, Temporary Pacing, Ascitic drain insertion and Seldinger/surgical chest drain insertion. The Anaesthetic Department loaned out (free of charge) a simulation dummy compatible with a defibrillator but part task trainers were difficult and expensive to obtain. Due to the session having been organised without funding or sponsorship, the aforementioned ST2 trainee designed and built ascitic and chest drain task trainers using affordable materials and based on their own experience in inserting these drains in patients. Results The workshop was a success and received overall positive feedback from the trainees, who all felt that they would recommend it to other trainees of similar grade. Conclusion While simulation is not reality, it is a very important and useful training tool for doctors, especially those involved in acute or emergency care. This session was an opportunity for trainees to be directly observed and assessed outside of a busy department but should not replace actual experience gained from working as ACCS doctors. Future The plan is to consider running this workshop annually for ST1–2 level trainees, as it is a replicable and affordable programme, to provide one to one teaching opportunities and to further develop trainee practical skills.