Training experts in difficult airway management: Evaluation of a continuous professional development program.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Difficult airway management is a critical skill in medicine.
• The Formation de référents aux techniques d'intubation difficile (FRTID) program trains experts to improve difficult airway management.
• Effective training is crucial for guideline compliance and patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the curriculum of the FRTID expert training program.
• To evaluate the efficacy of the FRTID program in improving difficult airway management practices.
• To assess the long-term impact of the training on clinical practice and guideline adherence.

Main Methods:

• Prospective survey of FRTID participants.
• Questionnaires administered at baseline (T0), immediately post-course (T1), 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12).
• Key metrics included implementation of new strategies, changes in clinical practice, and use of specific airway devices.

Main Results:

• 30% of participants implemented at least one action to improve difficult airway management within 6 months.
• 91% and 97% of responders reported changes in clinical practice at 6 and 12 months, respectively.
• Increased use of transtracheal oxygenation, Seldinger cricothyroidotomy, and pediatric difficult airway techniques was observed.

Conclusions:

• The FRTID expert training program is effective in disseminating difficult airway management recommendations.
• Training experts contributes to widespread adoption of improved practices among practitioners.
• The program encourages the development of expertise in managing difficult airways.