Assessment of Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Knowledge among Nonotolaryngology Physicians

Abstract

Objectives:(1) Assess the current fund of knowledge about alternate airways (tracheostomy and laryngectomy) among practicing physicians, residents, and senior medical students at University of California, Davis. (2) Identify knowledge deficits regarding alternate airways. (3) Assess the need for improved medical education about care of alternate airways.Methods:A cross‐sectional survey study at an academic medical center. An anonymous 10‐question, multiple‐choice survey was administered to senior medical students as well as resident and attending physicians at the University of California, Davis in the departments of Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Scores from the physicians in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery were compared with nonotolaryngology physician and medical student scores. These data were analyzed using analysis of variance.Results:Otolaryngology physicians scored an average of 98%, while nonotolaryngology physicians scored 58% and medical students scored 64% (P <. 05). Physicians’ self‐assessed comfort level with alternate airways was underestimated, when compared with their quiz score. Medical students who had participated in an otolaryngology rotation performed better than those who did not have a rotation (75% vs 40%).Conclusions:Individuals with alternate airways (tracheotomies or laryngectomies) are common, and their care demands a fundamental understanding of and comfort with their unique provision. Our preliminary findings identify significant knowledge gaps among nonotolaryngologists concerning the critical topic of alternate airways. These deficits underscore the importance of improving familiarity with alternate airways among nonotolaryngologists who are likely to encounter such individuals.