ABCDE Approach for Massive Hemoptysis: A Novel Cognitive Aid

Massive hemoptysis is a high-risk, low-frequency clinical scenario, and teaching the management of this emergency should extend beyond reliance on clinical exposure. Massive hemoptysis requires emergent intervention to avoid asphyxiation and death. Practitioners need both cognitive and procedural skills to intervene in a high-stress situation. Cognitive aids have demonstrated benefits in other emergency settings, but no such tool exists for massive hemoptysis. Using expert recommendations, we developed the ABCDE Approach for Massive Hemoptysis, a cognitively accessible, prioritized toolbox of interventions designed to assist learners in organizing an approach to these high-risk and time-sensitive patient cases. Herein we present the elements and use of the ABCDE approach. Providing a cognitive approach to massive hemoptysis is an important first step in improving education for this potentially fatal clinical scenario.