Use of a Novel Airway Kit and Simulation in Resident Training on Emergent Pediatric Airways

Abstract

Objective

Development of a novel pediatric airway kit and implementation with simulation to improve resident response to emergencies with the goal of improving patient safety.

Methods

Prospective study with 9 otolaryngology residents (postgraduate years 1-5) from our tertiary care institution. Nine simulated pediatric emergency airway drills were carried out with the existing system and a novel portable airway kit. Response times and time to successful airway control were noted with both the extant airway system and the new handheld kit. Results were analyzed to ensure parametric data and compared with t tests. A Bonferroni adjustment indicated that an alpha of 0.025 was needed for significance.

Results

Use of the airway kit significantly reduced the mean time of resident arrival by 47% (P = .013) and mean time of successful intubation by 50% (P = .007). Survey data indicated 100% improved resident comfort with emergent airway scenarios with use of the kit.

Discussion

Times to response and meaningful intervention were significantly reduced with implementation of the handheld airway kit. Use of simulation training to implement the new kit improved residents’ comfort and airway skills. This study describes an affordable novel mobile airway kit and demonstrates its ability to improve response times.

Implications for Practice

The low cost of this airway kit makes it a tenable option even for smaller hospitals. Simulation provides a safe and effective way to familiarize oneself with novel equipment, and, when possible, realistic emergent airway simulations should be used to improve provider performance.