Virtual Reality Simulation for Tracheostomy Emergencies: A Randomized Educational Intervention

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Simulation Training
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Limited formal education exists for tracheostomy emergency management among first responders in the US.
• While the UK has established multidisciplinary guidelines, widespread implementation in the US is lacking.
• Tracheostomy-related airway complications pose significant, potentially life-threatening risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation for tracheostomy emergency training.
• To assess VR as a generalizable and scalable educational approach.
• To compare VR training with traditional small group discussions.

Main Methods:

• Critical care fellows were randomized to VR simulation or small group discussions.
• Participants managed four simulated tracheostomy emergencies post-intervention.
• Performance was assessed using a validated checklist task trainer, with blinded grading.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured attitudes toward VR training.

Main Results:

• Nineteen fellows participated, managing 76 simulated emergencies.
• VR group average score: 18.03 ± 3.39; Small Group average score: 16.96 ± 4.41 (P=.558).
• No significant difference in checklist scores between VR and Small Group participants.
• Surveys showed improved fellow confidence and high acceptance of VR.

Conclusions:

• Immersive VR educational intervention for tracheostomy emergencies is feasible and well-received.
• VR training demonstrated non-inferiority to small group discussions in performance outcomes.
• The study validates the VR approach and the task trainer simulation assessment for tracheostomy emergency preparedness.