Knowledge about airway approach in medicine academics

Abstract

Introduction: The approach to the airways is a common practice in medical life, being a delicate situation susceptible to complications, which requires skill. The objective of this work is to analyze the profile of airway instruction of students in the sixth year of medicine at a Federal University. Methods: Students answered an airway questionnaire. Theoretical knowledge about airway predictors, such as Mallampati and Cormack-Lehane classification, practices and mastery in orotracheal intubation, and use and knowledge of auxiliary devices for airway management were addressed. Answers were coded into spreadsheets for analysis. Results: Fifty students participated in the research (adherence of 62.5%), with a mean age of 25.5 years (22-37 years old) and equal gender divisions. The analysis showed that 100% of academics know the Mallampati Classification, but only 38% know the Cormack-Lehane. As for the practice of orotracheal intubation, 68% performed at least one orotracheal intubation in patients during graduation. About the knowledge of auxiliary and supraglottic devices, 86% say they know the Bougie and 82% at least one supraglottic device. As for the need to establish a surgical airway, 32% reported being able to establish it. Conclusion: Despite the teaching of anesthesiology in the mandatory curriculum at our institution, there is a need for new approaches at different times in the academic course. The practice of activities in the fields of teaching, research and extension aimed at consolidating knowledge of predictors and training in situations of airway management and the use of auxiliary devices should be encouraged.