Development and evaluation of an interprofessional simulation workshop on assessment and management of tracheostomy and laryngectomy emergencies

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomies are common procedures in head and neck surgery and critical care practice. Fifty percent of airway-related deaths on intensive care units are attributed to tracheostomy complications. The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) advocated the implementation of mandatory training for health care staff involved in the management of neck stoma patients. Despite these recommendations, effective training in emergency management of neck stoma patients remains substandard. Methods: We present the evaluation of a pilot 1day workshop consisting of interactive lectures and high-fidelity simulation scenarios in a purpose-built clinical simulation centre. The simulation recreated commonly encountered clinical scenarios aimed at increasing participants' knowledge and confidence in assessing and managing common neck stoma emergencies. The workshop was an optional interprofessional training session for postgraduate nurses and doctors. Participants completed a multiple-choice question (MCQ) questionnaire before and after the workshop, and a 16-point post-workshop evaluation questionnaire. Results: A total of 14 participants attended the pilot workshop. The MCQ mean score improved from 53% (range, 50-70%) to 63.8% (range, 60-80%) following the workshop. All participants reported increased confidence in assessing and managing patients with neck stomas. They all felt the workshop was a valuable learning experience, and that training on neck stoma emergencies should be provided regularly in the postgraduate curriculum. Conclusions: The simulation workshop provided postgraduate clinical staff with safe and effective interprofessional training. The participants gained knowledge and increased confidence in the early recognition, practical assessment and management of tracheostomy and laryngectomy emergencies.

Multidisciplinary Tracheostomy Quality Improvement in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Building a Global Learning Community

“…Interprofessional education has been shown to improve students’ knowledge of tracheostomy care and professional roles. 26,27 Patient involvement in interprofessional education may be beneficial in fostering person-centeredness, particularly in undergraduate students. 28,29 The importance of interprofessional education in health professions training is increasingly recognized through new accreditation guidelines, 30 and is being implemented in medical curricula as an effective learning method.…”

“…A systematic review of technology-enhanced learning for healthcare professionals found that only 64% of 417 studies presented any form of validity evidence. 26 These limitations restrict conclusions, and so from the outset we sought to build rigor into analysis for the present study by adopting the Kirkpatrick methodology. This validation process was developed in industry and is supported by the Best Evidence Medical Education initative.…”