Initial validation of a modified suction task training system.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Respiratory Therapy Education
• Airway Management Training

Background:

• Limited opportunities for trainees to practice suctioning copious or bloody secretions in patients with respiratory distress.
• Suctioning is often overlooked in airway management training, leading to a lack of high-fidelity simulated suction devices.
• Existing training methods do not adequately prepare personnel for effective airway suctioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and initial validation of a modified suction task training system.
• To provide a realistic simulation for practicing airway suctioning techniques.
• To address the need for improved fidelity in airway management simulators.

Main Methods:

• A modified Yankauer suction device was used in a simulated scenario requiring suction.
• Senior-level students and faculty from respiratory therapy, nursing, and emergency medical services participated in validation.
• Anonymous surveys were administered to participants post-scenario to gather feedback.

Main Results:

• Over 94% of students found simulated oropharyngeal suction an important learning component.
• 100% of the expert panel agreed the modified Yankauer suctioning apparatus is important for training.
• 82% of the expert panel believed the simulator would improve student suctioning skills; 90% of faculty felt the simulator worked well.

Conclusions:

• The developed modified suction task training system offers both structural and functional fidelity.
• The simulator provides learners with a valuable opportunity to practice appropriate and effective airway suctioning.
• Initial validation indicates the system's potential to significantly enhance airway management training for respiratory distress patients.