Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp: A Simulation-Based Pilot Study

Abstract EN

Objectives.

Management of mechanically ventilated patients may pose a challenge to novice residents, many of which may not have received formal dedicated critical care instruction prior to starting their residency training.

There is a paucity of data regarding simulation and mechanical ventilation training in the medical education literature.

The purpose of this study was to develop a curriculum to educate first-year residents on addressing and troubleshooting ventilator alarms.

Methods.

Prospective evaluation was conducted of seventeen residents undergoing a twelve-hour three-day curriculum.

Residents were assessed using a predetermined critical action checklist for each case, as well as pre- and postcurriculum multiple-choice cognitive knowledge questionnaires and confidence surveys.

Results.

Significant improvements in cognitive knowledge, critical actions, and self-reported confidence were demonstrated.

The mean change in test score from before to after intervention was +26.8%, and a median score increase of 25% was noted.

The ARDS and the mucus plugging cases had statistically significant improvements in critical actions, p < 0.001 .

A mean increase in self-reported confidence was realized (1.55 to 3.64), p = 0.049 .

Conclusions.

A three-day simulation curriculum for residents was effective in increasing competency, knowledge, and confidence with ventilator management.