Validity and efficacy of a pediatric airway foreign body training course in resident education.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the validity and efficacy of a pediatric airway foreign body simulation for otolaryngology resident training.
METHODS: We created a course using a high-fidelity toddler mannequin designed to instruct and evaluate otolaryngology residents in pediatric airway foreign body management. Seven junior and 5 senior residents participated. Their performance was evaluated by 2 observers using an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) instrument.
RESULTS: By the third trial, all junior and senior residents scored a proficiency level of "independent without errors" or "independent and efficient," and the performance of the junior residents was not different from that of the senior residents. After completing the course, the junior residents self-rated their abilities as commensurate with those of a senior resident, and senior residents rated themselves capable of performing foreign body extraction without supervision. All participants felt that the course and simulator had good overall realism and a realistic feel, demonstrating face validity. Perhaps most importantly, the residents' highest ratings were for "facilitated management of complications" and "facilitated working with the operating room team"--areas difficult to teach during live surgical procedures.
CONCLUSIONS: This pediatric airway foreign body course using a high-fidelity simulator has face and construct validity, and results in statistically improved performance and self-evaluation of all participants.