Short summary

Technical skills acquisition is an integral part of medical education. As of now, certification without need for re-certification is achieved, when physicians pass an evidenced-based test. This in spite of evidence showing a skill decay, when procedures are not used frequently as in cricothyroidotomy. But when does the decay of skills begin?

Rationale

Every time an unstable patient arrives at the emergency department, evaluation of the airway is immediately conducted. Rarely, an emergency surgical airway is required. Despite this infrequency, emergency providers should be familiar with the technique, as time is an essential factor.

The procedure of emergency surgical airway is called cricothyroidotomy. The procedure is a high risk, low-frequency-procedure, and even in trained hands, it is often performed unsuccessfully.

Simulation-based training is a well-established and effective tool in development of technical competencies. This might be convenient when the possibility of bedside training is limited, and stakes are high - as in cricothyroidotomy.

Following the initial skill acquisition, continued independent clinical practice and experience is necessary to achieve competency. Once competency is achieved and the specific skill are rarely used/maintained, skill performance decays. Although much literature supports the evidence on skills acquisition from simulation-based training, less is known on the best strategies to prevent or minimize skill decay. Maintaining an adequate level of competency over time is key to patient safety.

The aim of this study is to examine the retention of skills in cricothyroidotomy, after completing a training course with a post-test.

Description of the cohort

The participants will be medical students from SDU and KU, without any experience with cricothyroidotomy. The participants can be included regardless how far they are in their medical education. Thus, both pre-clinical and clinical medical students.

Data and biological material

Post-training test videos and follow-up videos.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES)

• Lars Konge

Departement of Otorhinolaryngology, North Zealand Hospital, Hillerød

• Kasper Wennervaldt

Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Rigshospitalet

• Steven Arild Andersen