A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Learners' Decision-making, Anxiety, and Task Load During a Simulated Airway Crisis Using Two Difficult Airway Aids

Aditee P. Ambardekar, Eric B. Rosero, Ravi Bhoja, Jerry Green, Brett A. Rebal, Abu T. Minhajuddin, Matthew S. Kosemund, Oren T. Guttman, David W. Mercier

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) difficult airway algorithm and the Vortex approach are difficult airway aids. Our objective was to demonstrate that a simpler cognitive model would facilitate improved decision-making during a process such as difficult airway management. We hypothesized the simpler Vortex approach would be associated with less anxiety and task load. Methods Medical students were randomized to the ASA algorithm (n = 33) or Vortex approach (n = 34). All learned basic airway techniques on day 1 of their rotation. Next, they watched a video of their respective aid then managed a simulated airway crisis. We assessed decision-making using a seven-point airway management score and a completeness score. Completeness was at least one attempt at each of four techniques (mask ventilation, supraglottic airway, intubation, and cricothyrotomy). Two validated tools, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index, were used to assess anxiety and task load. Results Students in the Vortex group had higher airway management scores [4.0 (interquartile range = 4.0 to 5.0) vs. 4.0 (3.0 to 4.0), P = 0.0003] and completeness (94.1% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.003). In the ASA group, the means (SD) of National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index scores of 55 or higher were observed in mental [61.4 (14.4)], temporal [62.3 (22.9)], and effort [57.1 (15.6)] domains. In the Vortex group, only the temporal load domain was 55 or higher [mean (SD) = 57.8 (25.4)]. There was no difference in anxiety. Conclusions Medical students perform better in a simulated airway crisis after training in the simpler Vortex approach to guide decision-making. Students in the ASA group had task load scores indicative of high cognitive load.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)96-103
Number of pages8
JournalSimulation in Healthcare
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1 2019

Keywords

  • ASA
  • Medical student
  • Vortex
  • cognitive aids
  • difficult airway
  • education
  • simulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Education
  • Modeling and Simulation

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