V Patil1, G L Barker, R J Harwood, N M Woodall. 1. Department of Anaesthetics, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UZ, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We describe a practical method of training anaesthetists in the technique of awake fibreoptic intubation. This is performed on a training course using the delegates as subjects. METHODS: The first 15 subjects underwent cardiovascular monitoring during airway fibreoptic endoscopy performed by other course members. They were subsequently interrogated by use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Evidence from questionnaires suggests this method of instruction is acceptable in this self-selected group of individuals. Gagging was the commonest unpleasant side-effect of airway endoscopy, although only one delegate rated this as uncomfortable. Fifty-four per cent of subjects found the procedure slightly painful; 46% reported no pain at all. Overall, the procedure was rated as acceptable by 85% of subjects and enjoyable by 15% of subjects. No delegate found endoscopy or intubation distressing. Cardiovascular monitoring revealed pulse rate and arterial pressure changes of less than 25% of baseline values. Paraesthesia developed in one individual and nasal bleeding in two cases, neither of which was clinically significant and did not interfere with endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of course delegates as subjects for training was acceptable to anaesthetists and is associated with a low level of discomfort and morbidity.
BACKGROUND: We describe a practical method of training anaesthetists in the technique of awake fibreoptic intubation. This is performed on a training course using the delegates as subjects. METHODS: The first 15 subjects underwent cardiovascular monitoring during airway fibreoptic endoscopy performed by other course members. They were subsequently interrogated by use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Evidence from questionnaires suggests this method of instruction is acceptable in this self-selected group of individuals. Gagging was the commonest unpleasant side-effect of airway endoscopy, although only one delegate rated this as uncomfortable. Fifty-four per cent of subjects found the procedure slightly painful; 46% reported no pain at all. Overall, the procedure was rated as acceptable by 85% of subjects and enjoyable by 15% of subjects. No delegate found endoscopy or intubation distressing. Cardiovascular monitoring revealed pulse rate and arterial pressure changes of less than 25% of baseline values. Paraesthesia developed in one individual and nasal bleeding in two cases, neither of which was clinically significant and did not interfere with endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of course delegates as subjects for training was acceptable to anaesthetists and is associated with a low level of discomfort and morbidity.
Authors: I Ahmad; K El-Boghdadly; R Bhagrath; I Hodzovic; A F McNarry; F Mir; E P O'Sullivan; A Patel; M Stacey; D Vaughan Journal: Anaesthesia Date: 2019-11-14 Impact factor: 6.955