RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Experiences of medical practitioners in the Australian Defence Force on live tissue trauma training
JF BMJ Military Health
JO BMJ Mil Health
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP 122
OP 126
DO 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2020-001550
VO 169
IS 2
A1 Adam Mahoney
A1 M C Reade
A1 M Moffat
YR 2023
UL http://militaryhealth.bmj.com/content/169/2/122.abstract
AB Introduction Care of battle casualties is a central role of military medical practitioners. Historically, certain trauma procedural skills have been learnt through live tissue training. However, faced with opposition from community members and academics, who argue equivalence of non-animal alternatives, this is now being phased out. This study explores Australian military medical practitioners’ experiences of and attitudes towards live tissue training.Method We performed a phenomenologically driven qualitative exploration of individuals’ experiences of live tissue trauma training. 32 medical officers volunteered for the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 practitioners (60% Army, 20% Air Force, 20% Navy; 33% surgical, 53% critical care, 13% general practice). Qualitative data were subjected to content analysis, with key themes identified using manual and computer-assisted coding.Results Live tissue training was valued by military medical practitioners, particularly because of the realistic feel of tissues and physiological responsiveness to treatment. Learner-perceived value of live tissue training was higher for complex skills and those requiring delicate tissue handling. 100% of surgeons and critical care doctors regarded live tissue as the only suitable model for learning repair of penetrating cardiac injury. Live tissue training was felt to enhance self-efficacy, particularly for rarely applied skills. Though conscious of the social and ethical context of live tissue training, >90% of participants reported positive emotional responses to live tissue training.Conclusion In contrast to published research, live tissue training was thought by participants to possess characteristics that are not yet replicable using alternative learning aids. The experienced positive values of live tissue training should inform the decision to move towards non-animal alternatives.Interview transcripts contain data that may allow identification of study participants and therefore only deidentified quotations will be provided upon reasonable request.