Simulation-based Airway Management Training for Anesthesiologists – A Brief Review of its Essential Role in Skills Training for Clinical Competency

Abstract

In clinical practice, failure of proper airway management can lead to significant patient morbidity and mortality. Difficult airway management comprises a fundamental skill set for anesthesiologists and has long been recognized as one of the most challenging skills. Simulation-based training is an essential technique to establish and maintain technical and nontechnical skills for airway management. We review the evidence-based utility of simulation-based training for anesthesiologists to accquire technical and nontechnical airway mangement skills. Limitations and challenges of simulation training for airway management and the key role of instructional skills mandate thoughtful and well-designed programs of simulation-based training to assure optimal educational outcomes. Simulation and clinical training should be developed as complementary techniques in an integrated parallel instructional design paradigm to ensure effective development of technical and nontechnical airway management skill for anesthesiologists. Evidence-based educational outcomes favoring simulation-based airway training are highlighted.