Education News.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• First responders require practical pediatric airway management skills.
• The effectiveness of operating room (OR) learner programs for this training is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop, implement, and evaluate a pediatric airway rotator (PAR) program for multidisciplinary learners.
• To assess the impact of the PAR program on pediatric airway management skills and preparedness.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement pilot study involving 8 multidisciplinary groups in pediatric ORs.
• Development of prerequisites, objectives, and simulation experiences, followed by baseline and postintervention skill assessments.
• Learner and anesthesia teacher surveys to evaluate program effectiveness and goal achievement.

Main Results:

• Participant skills improved in most pediatric airway management domains post-intervention.
• Laryngeal mask airway insertion skills remained consistent.
• Intubation skills showed a decrease in the postintervention group.
• Learners found the interventions helpful; teachers confirmed improved preparedness, airway management, and communication.

Conclusions:

• The pediatric airway rotator program enhanced learner preparedness and communication skills.
• The program demonstrated potential for improving hands-on pediatric airway management experience.
• Further refinement may be needed to address specific skill deficits, such as intubation proficiency.