Training Non-Specialists for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in a Warzone Setting

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Very good

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Very good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Excellent

Comments:

The Discussion section adequately explains the value of simulated craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma training programme for non-specialist clinicians and it is well-supported with the observations presented in this article.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Very good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Excellent

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This study investigates a simulated craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma training programme for non-specialist clinicians involved in warfare environments. This one-day research programme consists of 6 simulation skills, of which four use sheep heads to teach craniotomy, epistaxis, canthotomy and cantholysis and external pin fixation for mandibular fracture fixation.  The evaluation is based on the hierarchical task analysis (HTA) designed by CMF specialists. The improvement of the trainee assessment scores in all skills post-training signifies that despite the lack of prior experiences regarding the surgical techniques, non-specialists can learn important CMF surgery techniques, valuable for war environments. Although the training programme was a success, the retention of the gained skills of these candidates and their performance under stress could not be assessed due to time constraints.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

If you have any questions and clarifications you can write to the journal.

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Science Repository Team