Improving the Team Response to Surgical Airway Emergencies: A Simulation-based, Multidisciplinary Approach to Quality...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Safety
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Surgical airway complications like tracheostomy dislodgement, obstruction, and bleeding pose significant risks.
• The rarity of these events limits provider training opportunities.
• Simulation-based, multidisciplinary training can improve care during rare emergencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a simulation experience for practicing team-based management of surgical airway emergencies.
• To assess the impact of simulation training on trainee confidence and team function.

Main Methods:

• A simulation curriculum was developed for tracheostomy emergencies (dislodgement, obstruction, bleeding).
• Multidisciplinary teams (surgery/anesthesia residents, ICU nurses, respiratory therapy students) participated in a 60-minute high-fidelity simulation.
• Trainee confidence was surveyed pre- and post-simulation; team function was assessed using a standardized checklist.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in trainee confidence was observed in managing respiratory distress and tracheostomy emergencies (p < 0.05).
• Team function improved by an average of 52% across training scenarios.
• All participants reported high satisfaction with the training.

Conclusions:

• ICU trainees often lack confidence in managing tracheostomy-related emergencies.
• Multidisciplinary simulation training in a high-fidelity environment improves trainee confidence and team management of airway emergencies.
• Further research is needed to confirm if this intervention enhances patient safety.