Difficult Conversations After Resuscitation in Trauma: Video Education E-Module

Abstract

Abstract Traumatic injury can lead to sudden significant permanent disability or unexpected death for patients. The treating practitioner has no prior relationship with these patients or their families. Informing a family of a bad or uncertain outcome or telling a loved one about a patient's death after trauma resuscitation is a unique communication skill for surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and other providers. Moreover, the chaos and demanding nature of the resuscitation and its emotional toll on the team members contribute additional stress to the provider who must deliver the bad news. Traditional methods for breaking bad news such as SPIKES do not directly translate to this unique environment. Curricula to teach these communication skills in a high-stakes trauma setting are needed, but none exist in the literature. This module was created in an attempt to bridge that gap. It offers a study guide for communication following trauma resuscitation, an ABCDE pocket card, a video didactic, and a pre− and postassessment. This electronic-module was designed to be delivered using online educational platforms. However, this module can also be adapted to the classroom setting: completing assessments and watching video in class. In our institution, 34 residents undergoing the educational module completed a presurvey, and 28 residents (82%) completed a postsurvey. The survey asked about resident perceived knowledge in the skills presented, the value of self-reflection, and the value of the educational experience. While not statistically significant, there was a trend toward improved resident perception of their knowledge in the domains of breaking bad news and death notification. Eighty-four percent found the module valuable as an educational experience.

Keywords

• Trauma
• Wounds and Injuries
• Communication
• Video
• Algorithms
• Death Notification