Nabil Issa, Whitney E Liddy, Sandeep Samant, David B Conley, Robert C Kern, Eric S Hungness, Elaine R Cohen, Jeffrey H Barsuk
BMJ Open. 2021 Nov 19;11(11):e054746
Abstract
Objectives: To develop and evaluate a simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) curriculum for cricothyrotomy using wet towels to suppress aerosolisation during a pandemic.
Design: Quasi-experimental, pre-post study.
Setting: Tertiary care, academic medical centre in Chicago.
Participants: Ear, nose and throat and general surgery residents, fellows and attendings.
Intervention: Cricothyroidotomy simulation-based mastery learning curriculum.
Outcomes measure: Pretest to posttest simulated cricothyrotomy skills checklist performance.
Results: 37 of 41 eligible surgeons participated in the curriculum. Median pretest score was 72.5 (IQR 55.0-80.0) and 100.0 (IQR 98.8-100.0) for the posttest p<0.001. All participants scored at or above a minimum passing standard (93% checklist items correct) at posttest.
Conclusions: Using SBML is effective to quickly train clinicians to competently perform simulated cricothyrotomy during a pandemic.