Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development (10/30/23) Alroumi, Fahad; Dinino, Ernest; Tidswell, Mark; et al.
A single-center pilot study sought to standardize airway management among critical care fellows and to assess their knowledge and skills following completion of a web-based preintubation airway preparation module. The authors launched the "Prepare to Intubate" module in July 2021, with completion required before August 31. Faculty contributing content were certified by a critical care board, and the authors solicited input from an anesthesiology-critical care specialist. The module's first section highlighted concept acquisition via narrated videos and short readings, while the second section comprised a 10-part single case-based activity requiring application of acquired knowledge to answer questions concerning a patient scenario and subsequent theoretical complications. The authors split the module into sections providing required and optional readings, as well as multimedia presentations and case-based activities. Trainees had to complete a multiple-choice question (MCQ) quiz before and after the module. All 14 participating fellows completed the module, while 11 completed a post-module survey. They all expressed satisfaction with the module's contents, structure and resources, and 91% found the learning management system satisfying. The mean MCQ quiz score increased from 79% before the module to 90% after completion. The fellows unanimously said they would apply the knowledge they gained in clinical practice, benefiting their patients. Participants' self-reported confidence in preintubation preparation knowledge also increased, as did their confidence in applying what they learned to clinical practice. They also self-reported high post-module confidence in their ability to successfully intubate on the first try. The fellows logged 114 intubations in the 6-month study period, though first-pass success saw no significant gains. Additionally, they suggested that spaced learning, greater concentration on advanced methods for difficult airway management and more hands-on training could improve the module. The authors acknowledge the need for additional multicentered research exploring approaches to gaining intubation competency in intensive care unit airway management.
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