Maintaining Surgical Readiness while Deployed to Low-Volume Military Treatment Facilities: A Pilot Program for Clinical and Operational Sustainment Training in the Deployed Environment

Abstract

Introduction: Maintaining readiness among Army surgeons is increasingly challenging because of declining operative experience during certain deployments. Novel solutions should be considered. Materials and Methods: A pilot program was conducted to rotate surgical teams from a military treatment facility with a low volume of combat casualty care to one with a higher volume. Pre- A nd postrotation surveys were conducted to measure relative operative experience, trauma experience, and perceived readiness among rotators. Results: Operative volumes and trauma volumes were increased and that perceived readiness among rotators, especially those with the fewest previous deployments, was improved. Conclusions: Maintaining readiness among Army surgeons is a difficult task, but a combination of increased trauma care while in garrison, as well as increased humanitarian care during deployments, may be helpful. Additionally, rotating providers from facilities caring for few combat casualties to facilities caring for more combat casualties may also be feasible, safe, and helpful.