Hospital rotations for medical proficiency training give medics who operate in the field the opportunity to see what “right” looks like. Knowing this and understanding treatment principles can allow a flexible medic to adapt to unique situations in the absence of protocols, guidelines and evidence. If properly coordinated and supported, MPTs can be an invaluable and eye opening experience. When thrown together with a naive or indifferent staff or unmotivated medic, it can be a huge waste of time and money for everyone involved. In this episode Dennis and Dr. Mark Shapiro talk about several MPT programs, and strategies to maximize the effectiveness of an MPT.
Here are several elements necessary for a positive MPT experience:
- An approved MOU
- A motivated lead clinician
- An administrative coordinator
- A limited amount of competition with residents and fellows
- Multiple capabilities and scope of practice briefs and videos to catch staff in all departments and shifts in which a medic will be working (Share this episode)
- A synopsis of your scope of practice and goals emailed to the specific departments in the days prior
- A list of procedures or experiences the medic is trying to complete may help the staff understand goals
- If an MPT is meant to prep for prolonged field care the medic should strive to respond to the trauma bay and accompany the patient through the continuum of care including prep, surgery, post op and ICU
One last thing before the podcast;
Please dont show up to your first day to work at a world class level 1 trauma center and medical school wearing pink ranger panties when everyone else is in suit and tie. I wouldn’t say it if it hadn’t happened…
Here are some links from current and past Academis partners who have participated in Military/civilian MPT partnerships:
https://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/11/24/green-beret-medics-train-duke.html
https://news.vcu.edu/article/VCU_Medical_Center_Trains_its_1000th_Special_Operations_Combat