Interprofessional simulation training in difficult airway management: a narrative review

Abstract

The aim of this narrative literature review was to explore the impact of interprofessional simulation-based team training on difficult airway management. The Fourth National Audit Project of The Royal College of Anaesthetists and The Difficult Airway Society identified recurrent deficits in practice that included delayed recognition of critical events, inadequate provision of appropriately trained staff and poor collaboration and communication strategies between teams. Computerised databases were assessed to enable data collection, and a narrative literature review and synthesis of eight quantitative studies were performed. Four core themes were identified: debriefing, measures of assessment and evaluation, non-technical skills and patient safety, and patient outcomes. There are many benefits to be gained from interprofessional simulation training as a method of teaching high-risk and infrequent clinical airway emergencies. The practised response to emergency algorithms is crucial and plays a vital role in the reduction of errors and adverse patient outcomes.