A Multidisciplinary Approach to a Pediatric Difficult Airway Simulation Course

Abstract

Objective

To design and assess an advanced pediatric airway management course, through simulation-based team training and with multiple disciplines, to emphasize communication and cooperation across subspecialties and to provide a common skill set and knowledge base.

Methods

Trainees from anesthesiology, emergency medicine, critical care, pediatric surgery, and otolaryngology at a tertiary children’s hospital participated in a 1-day workshop emphasizing airway skills and complex airway simulations. Small groups were multidisciplinary to promote teamwork. Participants completed pre- and postworkshop questionnaires.

Results

Thirty-nine trainees participated over the 3-year study period. Compared with their precourse responses, participants’ postcourse responses indicated either agreement or strong agreement that the multidisciplinary format (1) helped in the development of team communication skills and (2) was preferred over single-discipline training. Improvement in confidence in managing critical airway situations and in advanced airway management skills was significant (P < .05). Eighty-one percent of participants had improved confidence in following the hospital’s critical airway protocol, and 64% were better able to locate advanced airway management equipment.

Discussion

Multiple subspecialists manage pediatric respiratory failure, where successful care requires complex handoffs and teamwork. Multidisciplinary education to teach advanced airway management, teamwork, and communication skills is practical and preferred by learners and is possible to achieve despite differences in experience. Future study is required to better understand the impact of this course on patient care outcomes.

Implications for Practice

Implementation of a pediatric difficult airway course through simulation-based team training is feasible and preferred by learners among multiple disciplines. A multidisciplinary approach exposes previously unrecognized knowledge gaps and allows for better communication and collaboration among the fields.