Global Connections: Telemedicine as a Tool to extend Trauma Education

Introduction Telemedicine is revolutionizing the delivery of trauma care and education. The International Trauma Tele- Grand Rounds is a series that unites institutions worldwide to discuss complex clinical cases and advanced trauma and critical care topics. Materials and methods Multiple remote institutions connect simultaneously to discuss the management of a trauma patient from the prehospital phase to discharge. Weekly, a case is presented in English by one institution on a rotating basis. Key points include mechanism of injury, resuscitation, laboratory and imaging diagnostics, surgical interventions, postoperative patient care, evaluation of treatment decisions and review of the literature. The highly interactive format allows participants to evaluate differences in trauma care across international health systems. Results During 2010 to 2011, 68 sessions were documented. Cases include blunt (42.6%), penetrating (48.5%), blast (7.4%) and crushing (1.5%) traumas. Gunshot wounds were the most frequent (25%). A holistic range of injuries were represented including injuries to major arteries, veins, lungs, heart, pericardium, esophagus, diaphragm, abdominal wall, stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, pelvis, and the extremities. A variety of surgical and nonsurgical interventions were explored. To date, there have been 42 participating institutions from the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Panama, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and Iraq; ranging from academic medical centers military hospitals, community hospitals, and rural hospitals. In 2011, the series received accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. Conclusion Telemedicine offers a solution to address the disparities in access to trauma care and education. The diversity of institutional settings allows participants to learn from others on how to best treat trauma patients, despite differences in resources and expertise. In addition to serving as an educational tool, the series provides a mechanism for physicians to network and collaborate on future endeavors. How to cite this article Marttos AC, Kuchkarian FM, Rojas DF, Fraga GP, Collet-Silva FS, de Almeida Costa C, Garcia GD, Ginzburg E, Schulman CI, Namias N. Global Connections: Telemedicine as a Tool to extend Trauma Education. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(1):62-66.