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