Defining and Addressing Anesthesiology Needs in Simulation-based Medical Education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology Training
• Simulation Technology

Background:

• Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is recognized for enhancing clinical performance.
• Understanding the current implementation of SBME in residency programs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the utilization of SBME in anesthesiology residency programs.
• To identify common practices, resources, barriers, and perceived benefits of SBME.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous 10-question survey was administered to anesthesiology residency program directors nationwide.
• The survey assessed the location, frequency, skills practiced, barriers, and utility of dedicated education laboratories for SBME.

Main Results:

• A 30.4% response rate was achieved.
• SBME is frequently used for airway management, trauma, nontechnical skills, and ultrasound.
• Logistical barriers include COVID-19 precautions (75.6%), scheduling (57.8%), and lack of trainers (48.9%).
• Most respondents (77.8%) found a dedicated departmental education laboratory to be a valuable resource.

Conclusions:

• SBME is widely adopted but faces identifiable barriers.
• Departmental education laboratories offer a solution to mitigate these barriers.
• Establishing such laboratories can enhance structured SBME and potentially offset costs, benefiting other academic departments.