A randomized controlled trial of simulation‐based training for ear, nose, and throat emergencies. (30th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Matthew Edward; Navaratnam, Annakan; Jablenska, Lily; Dimitriadis, Panagiotis A.; Sharma, Rishi
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 125:Number 8(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1816
• Page End: 1821
• Publication Date: 2015-01-30
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.25179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="lary25179-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives/Hypothesis</title> <p>Life‐threatening ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergencies are uncommon but require immediate skilled management. We investigated if traditional lecture‐based teaching can be improved by a simulation and lecture hybrid approach.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25179-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Study Design</title> <p>A single‐blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25179-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Two groups of interns with no previous ENT experience were randomized to one of two training groups: a simulation/lecture hybrid group or a lecture‐only control group. Both groups received 90 minutes of training covering the assessment of critically ill patients and four ENT emergency topics. Both groups received the same initial lecture slides. The control group received additional slides, and the simulation group received simulated emergency scenario training using basic mannequins. Following the training, candidates were asked to provide feedback on their perception of training, and they were formally assessed with a standardized one‐to‐one viva.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25179-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Thirty‐eight interns were recruited: 18 in the control group and 20 in the simulation group. The candidates in the simulation group performed significantly better in all viva situations (<italic>P</italic> < .05) and had better perception of learning (<italic>P</italic> < .05). Additionally, the simulation group was more likely to recommend the training to a colleague (<italic>P</italic> < .05).</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25179-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>We have demonstrated that replacing traditional lecture‐based training with a mixture of lectures and emergency scenario simulation is more effective at preparing junior doctors for ENT emergencies, and better met their learning needs. Implementing this kind of teaching is feasible with a minimum of additional resources or time.</p> </sec> <sec id="lary25179-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Level of Evidence</title> <p>1b <italic>Laryngoscope</italic>, 125:1816–1821, 2015</p> </sec> </abstract>