title: Simulation-based training in advanced airway skills in an otolaryngology residency program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Life-support training emphasizes the primacy of airway management. Acquiring these skills requires practice and exposure to events. Otolaryngology residents lack standardized training in advanced airway skills. This project aimed to create such a program by using simulation-based methodology evaluated using specific educationally based tools.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective cohort study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The program consisted of lectures and simulation-based training sessions designed to impart competency in a set of defined airway skills to otolaryngology residents. Only participating residents who completed the course (n = 12) were evaluated both before and after the course for their fund of knowledge through multiple-choice examinations and for clinical reasoning and technical skills as assessed by a panel of otolaryngologists in simulated difficult airway situations. Self-assessment tools were also incorporated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average multiple choice score was 12 of 27 (44%) before the course and 15 of 27 (55%) after the completion of the course (P = .001). Faculty assessment yielded a cumulative score of 80% and 91% pre- and postcourse, respectively (P = .002). Although all residents reported prior experience in a critical emergency airway situation, only one reported prior training in advanced airway skills. A significant increase in participants' self-perceived ability to carry out critical airway-related skills was observed. All respondents felt the course was effective.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simulation-based airway training courses can be effectively incorporated into existing educational curricula for otolaryngology residents, and their success can be measured using educationally based tools. With such a course, residents can be expected to demonstrate measurable improvement in clinical knowledge base, technical skills, and self-perceived ability to handle difficult airway situations.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA. milan.amin@nyumc.org
authors: Milan R
authors: MR
authors: Amin
authors: David R
authors: DR
authors: Friedmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D011446:Prospective Studies