By: Umair Khan, Alexandra Barry, Tom Beattie
Objectives It is crucial that doctors working in emergency medicine are proficient in the skills required to maintain an airway in children. Intubation in the paediatric emergency department (ED) is a low frequency, high-risk procedure. Paediatric cases account for only 5% of all ED intubations and complications are common.1 2 Skills once learned deteriorate rapidly if not used regularly, meaning either regular usage or refreshers are recommended. This study investigates doctors’ opinions regarding their experience in maintaining clinical competence in paediatric airway skills through clinical experience only; and how this could be supplemented.ObjectivesMethods A questionnaire was distributed electronically to medical staff working within a busy tertiary ED. Data regarding their opinions regarding their opinion on skill maintenance by shop-floor experience only; and how additional training could be added.Results 75 respondents answered the questionnaire with 40 (53.3%) from a paediatric training background compared to 34 (45.3%) from a primary emergency medicine training background. The remaining respondent was not in training. [Figure 1][1] demonstrates reported value of shop-floor experience on airway skill maintenance. [Figure 2][2] indicated preferred additional skill maintenance modalities. This included use of simulation both for the skills required and real-time scenarios.![Abstract 6187 Figure 1][3]Abstract 6187 Figure 1![Abstract 6187 Figure 2][3]Abstract 6187 Figure 2Conclusion This study demonstrates that medical staff acknowledge shop-floor skill maintenance ie by day to day practice is insufficient in the main to retain essential skills, especially for advanced airway skills. Staff preferences should be used to inform skill maintenance sessions outwith the clinical setting, which may mean courses designed to meet specific needs.References1. Ghedina, et al . Emerg Med Australas 2020.2. Long, et al . Paediatr Anaesth 2014.[1]: #F1 [2]: #F2 [3]: pending:yes
