Impact of COVID-19 on Trauma Surgical Education at a Level 1 Trauma Center

Salomon, Brett; Howk, Amy; Heidel, Robert; McKnight, C. Lindsay

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma presentations to the emergency room decreased across the country. The goal of this study is to analyze the educational impact of COVID-19 on trauma education and training at a level-1 trauma center. METHODS: Trauma patient presentations were analyzed six months prior to a state of Tennessee executive stay-home order and six months following the State executive order. To control for the seasonal trauma volumes an additional six months prior to the executive order was then analyzed comparing month to month. Total number of presentations, demographics, procedures, airway management, and COVID-19 status of patients and residents were analyzed. RESULTS: Number of trauma presentations were sustained following executive orders at our Level 1 trauma center. There was no significant difference in intubations, central line placements, and chest tube placements before and during the pandemic. Blunt trauma decreased following stay-home orders. Of the thirty-six residents, no residents tested positive during the study period. CONCLUSION: Trauma focused surgical education was not affected at an academic level-1 trauma center. Understanding that it is region, city, and hospital specific, this study shows that quality trauma education can continue throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping trainees safe. Proper airway management, personal protective equipment, social distancing, and COVID-19 preventative protocols seem to protect residents from potential harm while allowing them to participate and continue in quality trauma education and training.