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Resident Competency and Proficiency in Combined Spinal-Epidural Catheter Placement Is Improved Using a
Heather C Nixon1, Jillian Stariha2, Jason Farrer3
1From the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
Anesthesia and Analgesia
|October 5, 2018
Summary
Computer-enhanced visual learning (CEVL) neuraxial training significantly reduced procedure time and improved performance for anesthesiology residents learning combined spinal-epidural catheter placement. This e-learning tool enhances initial procedural education in obstetric anesthesiology.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetric Anesthesia
Background:
- Physician educators face challenges balancing resident training with clinical demands and patient safety.
- E-learning tools offer a potential solution to improve procedural proficiency and reduce learning curves.
- A novel e-learning tool, computer-enhanced visual learning (CEVL) neuraxial, was developed to enhance trainee skills in combined spinal-epidural catheter placement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the CEVL neuraxial e-learning tool in improving anesthesiology residents' initial performance of combined spinal-epidural catheter placement.
- To test the hypothesis that using the CEVL neuraxial tool enhances trainee proficiency compared to traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted across two centers.
- Anesthesiology residents were randomized into a CEVL group (online access) or a control group (no access) prior to their obstetric anesthesiology rotation.
- Outcomes measured included procedure duration, procedural checklist scores, medical knowledge test results, and self-confidence scales.
Main Results:
- The CEVL group demonstrated significantly shorter procedure times (22.5 min vs. 39.5 min, P < .001) compared to the control group.
- Residents using CEVL achieved higher overall performance checklist scores (36.4 vs. 28.8, P = .012) and medical knowledge test scores (P = .002).
- No significant difference in self-confidence scores was observed between the groups (P = .64).
Conclusions:
- The CEVL neuraxial e-learning tool is an effective prerotation educational strategy for combined spinal-epidural procedures in obstetric anesthesiology.
- This tool may enhance traditional teaching methods for initial procedural competency.
- Further research is warranted to assess the long-term impact of web-based learning tools on provider performance and patient outcomes.
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