Simulation of difficult airway management for residents: prospective comparative study

Abstract Background and objectives Procedural simulation training for difficult airway management offers acquisition opportunities. The hypothesis was that 3 h procedural simulation training for difficult airway management improves: acquisition, behavior, and patient outcomes as reported 6 months later. Methods This prospective comparative study took place in two medical universities. Second-year residents of anesthesiology and intensive care from one region participated in 3 h procedural simulation (intervention group). No intervention was scheduled for their peers from the other region (control). Prior to simulation and 6 months later, residents filled-out the same self-assessment form collecting experience with different devices. The control group filled-out the same forms simultaneously. The primary endpoint was the frequency of use of each difficult airway management device within groups at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included modifications of knowledge, skills, and patient outcomes with each device at 6 months. Intervention cost assessment was provided. Results 44 residents were included in the intervention group and 16 in the control group. No significant difference was observed for the primary endpoint. In the intervention group, improvement of knowledge and skills was observed at 6 months for each device, and improvement of patient outcomes was observed with the use of malleable intubation stylet and Eschmann introducer. No such improvement was observed in the control group. Estimated intervention cost was 406€ per resident. Conclusions A 3 h procedural simulation training for difficult airway management did not improve the frequency of use of devices at 6 months by residents. However, other positive effects suggest exploring the best ratio of time/acquisition efficiency with difficult airway management simulation. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02470195.