Interprofessional simulation training in difficult airway management: a narrative review

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Difficult airway management presents significant challenges in clinical practice.
• Previous audits highlighted issues in critical event recognition, staffing, and team collaboration.
• Effective strategies are needed to address these deficits in high-risk scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of interprofessional simulation-based team training on difficult airway management.
• To synthesize evidence on simulation's role in addressing identified practice deficits.
• To explore key themes related to simulation effectiveness in airway emergencies.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was conducted.
• Data were collected from computerized databases.
• Synthesis of eight quantitative studies was performed.

Main Results:

• Four core themes emerged: debriefing, assessment/evaluation, non-technical skills, and patient safety/outcomes.
• Simulation training offers benefits for teaching high-risk, infrequent clinical airway emergencies.
• Practiced emergency algorithm response is crucial for error reduction.

Conclusions:

• Interprofessional simulation-based team training is beneficial for managing difficult airways.
• Simulation enhances non-technical skills, communication, and patient safety.
• This training method is effective in reducing errors and improving patient outcomes in critical airway events.