Cumulative Sum learning curves (CUSUM) in basic anaesthesia procedures

Abstract

ObjectivesTo create Cumulative Sum learning curves – CUSUM – for 6 anaesthesia procedures. MethodologyWe assessed 764 orotracheal intubations, 251 spinal anaesthesia procedures, 189 epidural anaesthesia procedures, 143 subclavian vein catheterizations, 135 radial artery catheterizations, and 100 internal jugular catheterizations in 4 anaesthesia residents, and developed CUSUM learning curves. ResultsIn endotracheal intubation we found the following: 75% of the learners achieved 95% success with 65±24 cases; in spinal anaesthesia, 50% of the learners attained the 85% success rate with 35 cases; in epidural anaesthesia, 100% of the learners attained 80% success with 13±5 cases; in subclavian vein catheterization, 100% of the learners reached 80% success with 21±6 cases; in radial artery catheterization, 25% of the learners achieved an 80% success rate with 39 cases. For internal jugular catheterization it was not possible to collect sufficient information to report statistically significant data. ConclusionsCUSUM charts are tools that allow monitoring and early detection of changes in psychomotor learning in anaesthesia, providing meaningful information in relation to quality standards.