[Effect of training period on learning process in endotracheal intubation using Macintosh laryngoscope]

To determine the learning process in endotracheal intubation using the Macintosh laryngoscope, we investigated time needed for instrumentation and rate of erroneous esophageal intubation.

We compared the results of 456 endotracheal intubations by non-anesthesia residents with those of 81 endotracheal intubations by anesthesia residents.

The mean (+/-SD) times for instrumentation were 77 +/- 46 seconds, 61 +/- 41 seconds, 41 +/- 21 seconds, and 41 +/- 22 seconds in non-anesthesia residents with training period for 1-2 month, 3-4 month, 5-6 month, and 7-8 month, respectively; while that by anesthesia residents was 41 +/- 21 seconds. No significant difference was found in the rate of erroneous esophageal intubation between non-anesthesia residents (34 times, 7.5%) and anesthesia residents (2 times, 2.5%). Of the 34 esophageal intubations by non-anesthesia residents, 26 (76.5%) occurred in the first- and second-month period.

Two month training course for anesthesia management in our institution seems to be insufficient for learning skills in endotracheal intubation. It is most likely to require 6 months to acquire the sufficient skill in endotracheal intubation.