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. 2024 Mar 29;24(1):356.
doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05285-6.

Impact of simulation-based training on bougie-assisted cricothyrotomy technique: a quasi-experimental study

Ying Zhou  1 , Huibin Gao  1 , Qianyu Wang  1 , Juan Zhi  1 , Quanle Liu  1 , Weipeng Xia  1 , Qirui Duan  1 , Dong Yang  2
Affiliations

Impact of simulation-based training on bougie-assisted cricothyrotomy technique: a quasi-experimental study

Ying Zhou et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Background: Cricothyrotomy is a lifesaving surgical technique in critical airway events. However, a large proportion of anesthesiologists have little experience with cricothyrotomy due to its low incidence. This study aimed to develop a multisensory, readily available training curriculum for learning cricothyrotomy and evaluate its training effectiveness.

Methods: Seventy board-certificated anesthesiologists were recruited into the study. Participants first viewed an instructional video and observed an expert performing the bougie-assisted cricothyrotomy on a self-made simulator. They were tested before and after a one-hour practice on their cricothyrotomy skills and evaluated by a checklist and a global rating scale (GRS). Additionally, a questionnaire survey regarding participants' confidence in performing cricothyrotomy was conducted during the training session.

Results: The duration to complete cricothyrotomy was decreased from the pretest (median = 85.0 s, IQR = 72.5-103.0 s) to the posttest (median = 59.0 s, IQR = 49.0-69.0 s). Furthermore, the median checklist score was increased significantly from the pretest (median = 30.0, IQR = 27.0-33.5) to the posttest (median = 37.0, IQR = 35.5-39.0), as well as the GRS score (pretest median = 22.5, IQR = 18.0-25.0, posttest median = 32.0, IQR = 31.0-33.5). Participants' confidence levels in performing cricothyrotomy also improved after the curriculum.

Conclusion: The simulation-based training with a self-made simulator is effective for teaching anesthesiologists to perform cricothyrotomy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A self-made simulator is used for hands-on cricothyrotomy training section. (A) Materials needed to build the simulator. (B) Outlook of the finished model
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Equipment for the bougie-assisted scalpel technique
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Duration to perform cricothyrotomy (A), scores of the GRS (B) and checklist (C) at pretest and posttest. Each dot represents an individual
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Confidence level of participants at the baseline, pretest and posttest
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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