Simulation learning in the emergency department: Impact on VideoLaryngoscope Intubation Skills

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Simulation
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Simulation-based learning offers a safe environment for acquiring procedural skills in the emergency department (ED).
• Videolaryngoscope (VL) orotracheal intubation (OTI) is a critical skill for emergency physicians.
• Novice residents require effective training methods to master OTI.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of simulation-based learning on residents' videolaryngoscope orotracheal intubation skills in the ED.
• To assess changes in OTI success rates, time, and attempts after simulation training.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, evaluative study conducted in EDs in Tunis.
• Inclusion of novice residents in direct laryngoscopy.
• Procedural simulation sessions with pre- and post-session evaluations.

Main Results:

• Successful OTI rates increased from 12.5% to 71.8% post-simulation (p=0.689).
• Average OTI time decreased from 149.81s to 51s (p<0.001), and attempts reduced from 3.81 to 1.84 (p<0.001).
• Intubation time exceeding 12 seconds was an independent predictor of intubation failure (aOR=3.5, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based learning effectively enhances residents' OTI skills using videolaryngoscopes.
• Training leads to faster, more successful intubations with fewer attempts.
• Intubation duration is a key factor predicting OTI failure in novice learners.