AANA Journal: Three-Dimensionally Printed Simulated Tracheas to Improve Cricothyrotomy Skills Among Anesthesia Providers-Three-Dimensionally Printed Simulated Tracheas to Improve Cricothyrotomy Skills Among Anesthesia Providers

Three-Dimensionally Printed Simulated Tracheas to Improve Cricothyrotomy Skills Among Anesthesia Providers

Pdf Summary

A new study published in the AANA Journal explores the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to improve cricothyrotomy skills among anesthesia providers. Cricothyrotomy is a procedure used in emergency situations to create an opening in the airway to allow breathing. The study developed a 3D printed airway model that anesthesia providers could use for hands-on practice. The participants completed a simulation-based training program and were assessed before and after the intervention. The study found that there was a significant improvement in self-efficacy, knowledge, time to task completion, compliance with procedural steps, and technical skills after the intervention. The ability to ventilate, which is a critical outcome of the procedure, also significantly improved. The authors conclude that 3D printing is a cost-effective way to create anatomically similar simulation airway models for anesthesia providers to practice and improve their cricothyrotomy skills. This innovation offers a sustainable and accessible tool for training providers in this important procedure and could be used in both low- and high-resource regions. The study highlights the increasing accessibility of 3D printing technology and suggests that healthcare providers can take advantage of existing 3D printers to produce simulation models. The development of low-cost simulation tools like this 3D printed airway model can improve provider confidence, knowledge, and skill in performing cricothyrotomy.

Keywords

3D printing technology

cricothyrotomy skills

anesthesia providers

simulation-based training

knowledge improvement

procedural compliance

ventilation ability

simulation models

low-cost simulation tools

skill improvement