Anesthesia Core Skill Simulation Package for Anesthesia Newbies

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Perioperative critical events remain a leading cause of adverse patient outcomes. The ability to recognize complications, make decisions about resources needed, and treat quickly is a very important component of the specialty of anesthesia. Methods To facilitate the transition into the new specialty for first-year anesthesia residents, we developed eight simulation scenarios focusing on recognition of and response to common anesthesia complications. These scenarios are given annually to first-year anesthesia residents as a 2-hour Anesthesia Core Skill Simulation workshop. In the first days of their residency training, small groups of three residents are scheduled with one faculty member as instructor. During the simulation, the residents learn to diagnose, treat, and call for help in a timely fashion. Results Since 2007, the Anesthesia Core Skill Simulation workshop has been given to 88 first-year anesthesia residents, and the feedback has been very positive. All of the residents felt that the complexity of the presented scenarios was just right for their level of training and agreed that the scenarios resembled real cases in the operating room. Ninety-five percent of the residents thought 2 hours was sufficient time to practice in the simulator during the workshop. Discussion Simulation training is required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education during anesthesia residency. Previous studies have shown that simulation can be used to recreate complex crisis situations in a safe environment, avoiding the risks of learning on the real patient. High-fidelity simulation allows standardized teaching to provide early experience with less common but critical anesthesia complications to all trainees.

Keywords

• Anesthesia Training
• Core Skills
• Critical Event Management