Implementing blended learning in emergency airway management training: a randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Simulation Training

Background:

• Conventional emergency airway management training relies on face-to-face learning (F2FL) workshops, which have significant logistical constraints.
• Blended learning (BL), integrating online and in-person methods, offers a flexible and cost-effective approach to training.
• This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BL for emergency airway management training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of blended learning (BL) versus face-to-face learning (F2FL) for emergency airway management training.
• To assess junior doctors' knowledge and practical skills acquisition through both training modalities.
• To evaluate participants' experience and perception of blended learning.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 doctors at Sarawak General Hospital.
• Participants were divided into BL and F2FL groups, with BL involving online modules and F2FL involving lectures.
• Both groups received hands-on simulation skills training with airway manikins, followed by pre- and post-tests.

Main Results:

• Both BL and F2FL groups showed significant improvements in post-test scores for knowledge and practical skills.
• There were no statistically significant differences in score increments between the BL and F2FL groups across all categories.
• The overall perception of blended learning among participants was positive.

Conclusions:

• Blended learning (BL) is a viable and equally effective alternative to face-to-face learning (F2FL) for emergency airway management training.
• BL demonstrates feasibility for skill acquisition in emergency medicine training programs.
• This approach can help overcome the limitations associated with traditional F2FL workshops.