Teaching without a teacher: developing competence with a Bullard laryngoscope using only a structured self-learning course and practicing on a mannequin.
OBJECTIVE
To show that a complex motor skill can be taught without requiring active expert faculty participation.


METHODS
Prospective descriptive study.


METHODS
Simulation laboratory of an academic anesthesiology department.


METHODS
Novice users of the Bullard laryngoscope, predominantly residents.


METHODS
Novice Bullard users were presented with a PowerPoint presentation using text and pictures describing the use of the Bullard. The learners were also provided with a Bullard laryngoscope and a mannequin on which to practice. Self-learning time was not restricted.


METHODS
Learners decided for themselves when they were competent and ready for competency assessment. The assessment tool was a checklist of essential steps developed by faculty experienced in Bullard laryngoscopy. The primary end-point was successful intubation.


RESULTS
All learners were deemed competent. The mean self-learning time was 14.1 minutes (SD, 3.1 min; range, 9.2-21.0 min). All subjects indicated a high level of satisfaction with the learning technique.


CONCLUSIONS
Teaching a complex motor skill with no expert instruction is possible.
Pott
Leonard M
LM
Department of Anesthesiology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA. lpott@psu.edu
Santrock
Dale
D
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D020704:Laryngoscopes; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008348:Manikins; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*