Education Responsiblities

Table of Contents

According to the ACS-COT (2014), it is the role of the TPM to, "provide for intra-facility and regional professional staff development, participate in case review, implement practice guidelines, and direct community trauma education and prevention programs" (p. 43).

Intra-facility and regional professional staff development means reaching out to partners in the facility's surrounding area, including within the service area the facility belongs, to develop all members of the trauma team who may care for injured patients in the surrounding community. This includes EMS or pre-hospital personnel, flight crews, emergency room personnel, OR and in-patient nurses, as well as, laboratory and radiology staff members who play a vital role in the optimal care of the injured patient. Educational programs are available through definitive care facilities, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, and professional organizations that support the professional development of trauma care providers. Examples include:

  •  Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC)
  •  Trauma Care after Resuscitation (TCAR)
  •  Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
  •  Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
  •  Trauma Outcomes and Performance Improvement Course (TOPIC)
  •  Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  •  Advanced Trauma Care Nurse (ATCN)

Implementing practice guidelines, as previously discussed, should optimally be done in concert with stakeholders at the trauma care facility. Wide distribution of the change in practice, with clear explanations for the change, the evidence behind the change, and how patients will be better served by the practice change will contribute to buy-in from practitioners. It is up to the trauma program to decide the best way to disseminate the change in practice. Email, fliers, and unit meetings are just some ways in which practice guideline changes can be distributed.

Community trauma education and prevention programs can be a unique way in which the trauma care facility provides outreach to the surrounding community, using registry data and community needs as a foundation. For example, if the trauma care facility is noticing an uptick of pediatric ATV accidents without associated safety equipment usage, the TPM might conduct a program at the local school concerning the importance of utilizing proper safety equipment while riding. Many facilities utilize various programs already established and tailor outreach to the communities. Remember to consult stakeholders for ideas and funding opportunities when initiating a program. Some available stakeholders include, but are not limited to:

Prevention Repository

Recorded Education

The Iowa Trauma System Coordinator at the Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services coordinates, records, and uploads educational webinars designed to facilitate learning for trauma program managers across the State of Iowa.