Long Term Retention of FAST Skills and Knowledge after a Simulation Based Training Program

Objectives:Focused assessment with sonography for trauma(FAST) has been integrated into the primary assessment of pediatric trauma patients in the emergency department. Various studies show that the FAST skills can be acquired after a short training period in populations such as interns and medical students. however, few data exist on the retention of ultrasound skills over time. This study evaluated the retention of FAST skills and knowledge of pediatric residents 6 months after completing a simulator based training program.

Methods:This is a prospective cohort study. subjects completed successfully a short simulator based training programof FAST examination. Skills were retested 6 months and compared with previous results to assess skill retention. Competence was evaluated by a simulator-based test. Integration of knowledge was evaluated by a written multiple-choicetest.

Results:16 of 19 (84.2%) subjects completed follow-up testing. Although Performance declined in image acquisition, still 91% of trainees maintained their skill 6 months after training. Interpretation skills declined more severely from 98.2% to 78.9% after 6 months. 25% of Participantsstated that they are using FAST regularly.

Conclusions:retention of FAST skills are partially sustained after 6 months of non routine use. A short training program is sufficient for gaining the skills but a routine use is needed to ensure competence