Comparative Analysis of Simulated versus Live Patient-Based FAST (Focused Assessment With Sonography for Trauma) Training

Objective To investigate whether simulated patient (SP)-based training has comparable efficacy as live patient (LP)-based training in teaching Focused Abdominal Sonography for Trauma (FAST) knowledge and skill competencies to surgical residents. Design A randomized pretest/intervention/posttest controlled study design was employed to compare the participants’ performance in written and practical examinations regarding FAST examination after SP-based versus LP-based training. Setting University-based general residency program at a single institution. Participants A total of 29 general surgery residents of various training levels and sonographic experience were recruited by convenience sampling. Results There was no correlation between subjects’ baseline training level or sonographic experience with either the posttest-pretest score difference or the percentage of subjects getting all 4 windows with adequate quality. There was no significant difference between the improvement in written posttest-pretest scores for SP and LP group, which were 33 ± 9.6 and 31 ± 6.8 (p = 0.40), respectively. With regard to performance-based learning efficacy, a statistically higher proportion of subjects were able to obtain all 4 windows with adequate quality among the LP than the SP group (6/8 vs 1/8, p = 0.01). Conclusion SP- and LP-based FAST training for surgical residents were associated with similar knowledge-based competency acquisition, but residents receiving LP-based training were better at acquiring adequate FAST windows on live patients. Simulation training appeared to be a valid adjunct to LP practice but cannot replace LP training. Future investigations on how to improve simulation fidelity and its training efficacy for skill-based competencies are warranted.